VIREOS. 157 



on it, a nest in the Nashua Valley (below Lancaster) which 

 a companion found. I have heard of other instances, which 

 establish the fact beyond doubt. 



The Solitary Vireos are in Massachusetts to be found as 

 migrants in the last week of April and again in September, 

 but are not at either time abundant. They inhabit throughout 

 the year both the dry and swampy woods of oaks, maples, and 

 nut-trees, avoiding the evergreens,* and among the branches 

 search for their insect food. Though fond of retirement, they 

 are not shy or timid, especially when moved by parental affec- 

 tion. I have known the female to stay on her nest until I 

 could almost lay my hand upon her, and then to remain imme- 

 diately about my person, often approaching within a foot of 

 me, and constantly uttering her plaintive cries. These notes 

 generally bring the males to the scene, who are, however, as 

 is the case with many birds, less willing to expose themselves. 



d. The music of the Solitary Vireos is delicious, and is 

 particularly agreeable in an otherwise still and cool forest, be- 

 ing peculiarly harmonious with those two charms of Nature, 

 woodland stillness and woodland coolness. Their song, like 

 that of the Red-eyed Vireos, is a continuous warble, but is 

 more musical, mellow, and tender, and is uttered in another 

 tone. It is particularly sweet at the mating season, in the 

 early part of May. These birds, who are unfortunately almost 

 silent during their migrations, have a few low whistles also, 

 and a querulous note (like the syllable anfc), much like that 

 of the " Red-eye," but yet distinct. 



B. FLAVIFRONS. Yellow-throated Vireo. Not a common 

 summer resident in Massachusetts, except locally. f 



a. Nearly six inches long. Olive green above, becoming 

 bluish ash on the rump. Throat and breast, bright yellow ; 



* This is directly contrary to my ex- greater part of southern New England, 



perience, for I have found that the bird exclusive of certain elevated portions 



is rather partial to groves of white of Worcester and Berkshire counties, 



pines and hemlocks, and several of the Massachusetts. It is not known to 



nests that I have taken were built in occur regularly or in any numbers 



one or the other of these trees. W. B. much to the northward of Massachu- 



t A common summer resident of the setts. W. B. 



