132 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



said to be a summer resident there, though Lynn, 

 Mass., in latitude 42)^ , has, hitherto, been generally 

 accepted as its northern limit of breeding. 



Dendrceca palmarum, Baird. 



In its habits the Red Poll Warbler is nearly ter- 

 restrial. In this particular, it differs very materially 

 from its more intimate relatives. It frequents the 

 borders of thickets and bushes along water-courses. 

 Along the banks of the latter where projecting 

 rootlets are visible, it gleans its daily diet. Oc- 

 casionally, it visits the lower branches of trees, 

 where it may be seen imitating the activity and 

 gracefulness of the Paridce and Certhiidce. Some- 

 times its movements are those of the Muscicapidcz, 

 but these are exceptional. 



This bird is extremely shy, leads a secluded 

 life whilst feeding, and can be approached but 

 with the greatest difficulty. Its flight is ordinarily 

 low, firm, but slightly undulating, and poorly sus- 

 tained. 



Its song is a low, simple chirp, produced very 

 infrequently, and resembling somewhat intimately 

 that of a grasshopper. 



From its early appearance in May, till its de- 

 parture about the I2th of the same month, it is a 

 silent, solitary creature, wholly engrossed from 

 morn to night, in the all-absorbing thought of 

 self-preservation. Unlike many of its kin, it never 

 deserts sylvan retreats for human habitations, even 

 when pressed by hunger. During its brief stay, 



