OF NEW ENGLAND. 127 



They generally alight among the lower branches, to which 

 chiefly they confine themselves, and among which, as well as 

 about the blossoms, they industriously search for insects and 

 their eggs. 



(d). The song of the Black and Yellow Warblers is sweet 

 and musical. It is sometimes rather soft, vividly recalling the 

 song of the Yellow Bird (and allied songs), and less so that 

 of the " Yellow-rump," being to a certain extent like both. 

 At other times, it is louder, and again like that of the Yel- 

 low Bird (D. cestiva), with additional musical notes. The or- 

 dinary notes of these birds are a tsip, a cry of Isip-tsip-tsip, a 

 soft and loud chip, a cluck or chink like that of the Hose- 

 breasted Grosbeak, and an ank, whiclrrecalls the similar note 

 of the "Golden Robin." Unfortunately of all these numerous 

 sounds not one is distinctively characteristic of these warblers, 

 who are somewhat shy ; but fortunately, on the other hand, 

 bright colors cannot always be concealed. 



This species is the last of the twelve Dendroecce, who inva- 

 riably visit Massachusetts every year, and five of whom com- 

 monly breed here. The birds of this genus (Dendro&ca) are in 

 many ways the most charming members of the feathered crea- 

 tion, being prettily and brightly colored, and extremely grace- 

 ful and dexterous in their motions. Their songs, though never 

 very striking or brilliant, are simple, pleasing, and musical, 

 and their nests and eggs are models of beauty. In addition to 

 these charms, these birds are extremely useful, and do much 

 to protect our trees and shrubs from the injuries of caterpillars 

 and the numerous winged insects that infest them. 



XI. MY1ODIOCTES 



(A) CANADENSIS. Canada "Flycatcher" Canada Flycatch- 

 incj Warbler. 



(A summer-resident in northern New England, but rare in 

 Massachusetts, except as a migrant.) 



(a). 5-5 inches long. In general appearance like the Black 

 and Yellow Warbler (X, M), but with no white on the wings 

 and tail. $ , ashy-blue above of a curious tint, and bright 



