MNIOTILTID^E THE AMERICAN WARBLERS. 165 



and very rare in the autumn; precisely the reverse being the case 

 near the Atlantic border, where only two or three spring specimens 

 have been announced as captured by collectors. It is possible that 

 they go north in spring, along the valley of the Mississippi, and 

 return in autumn through the Atlantic States." (Hist. N. Am. B.) 



The Connecticut Warbler is a common species during the migra- 

 tions, but is almost wholly confined to bushy swamps or their vi- 

 cinity, and therefore easily overlooked. When found in the woods 

 in the vicinity of swamps it usually seeks refuge in the latter if pur- 

 sued. Mr. Nelson gives us the following information pertaining to this 

 species as observed by him in the northeastern corner of the State* : 



"A rather common migrant ; May 15th to 27th, and September 

 1st to October 1st. The species occurs in about equal numbers in 

 spring and fall. Near Waukegan, the last of May, 1876, these birds 

 were found frequenting a dense swampy thicket on the border of a 

 wood, in company with Geothlypis Philadelphia and two species of 

 Seiurus. They kept close to the ground and were quite difficult to 

 shoot, as they would dart into the thicket upon the slightest alarm. 

 Their habits in this locality were so nearly like those of G. phila- 

 delphia, that, until actually in hand, it was not an easy matter to 

 distinguish them. While confined to the house by illness, the 26th 

 and 27th of May, Mr. Jencks had the pleasure of becoming still 

 better acquainted with their habits. His attention was first drawn 

 to them by hearing a loud ringing song entirely new to him. Going 

 to the door he saw the author of the song, upon one of the lower 

 branches of a small pine tree close to the house. The specimen 

 was soon in his possession and proved to be this species. After- 

 wards, during this and the following day, he heard the song repeat- 

 edly, and obtained other specimens of the bird. Their note he de- 

 scribes as being a trifle harsh, but pleasant to the ear. It is de- 

 livered with force, in a clear ringing manner, slightly resembling 

 that of G. trichas. Their habits and movements while about the 

 pine trees within twenty yards of the house closely resembled those 

 of S. aurocapillus, with which they were associated." 



Until very recently, the nest and eggs of this species, or even the 

 portion of country where it bred, were unknown. All the informa- 

 tion that we have in the matter is from Mr. Ernest E. T. Seton, 

 of Carberry, Manitoba, in the Auk, for April, 1884, pages 192 and 193, 

 to which the reader is referred. 



* See pages 1<W and 101 of Ms "List of the Birds of Northeastern Illinois." 



