298 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



Geothhjpis trichas. 



but very little that accords with any distinctions of habitat. As a nilo, 

 however, tliose from the Atlantic States are tlie smallest of the series, and 

 have most white on the abdomen, the yellow being restricted to the tliroat 

 and jugulum, and the lower tail-coverts. In most specimens from the ^lis- 

 sissippi Valley the yellow beneatli is quite continuous, and the size consid- 

 erably larger tlian in the series above mentioned, in these respects approach- 

 ing the Cr. mdanops from Eastern ]Mexico, in which the yellow pervades tlie 



whole surface beneath ; but in this the 

 whitish border above the bhick mask is 

 extended over the whole crown, leaving 

 the nape only distinctly brownish, and 

 the size larger tlian the average of 

 the series alluded to. However, No. 

 () 1,135 (J, Liberty County, Ga., has even 

 more white on top of the head, the whole 

 occiput being of this color ; while No. 

 7,922 i , from Ilacine, Wis., is quite as 

 long as the type of mrlanops (the tail 

 only, shorter), and there is nearly as 

 much yellow beneath. The Georgia specimen, however, in other resi)ects, 

 is most like the Atlantic style. Specimens from the Pacific coast have just 

 appreciably longer tails than Eastern ones, and the olive-green above is 

 brighter. Jamaican and Guatemalan specimens are identical with many from 

 the United States. The G. rodrdtus of Bryant, from the Bahamas, appears 

 to be merely a gigantic insular race of the common species. 



Habits. This well-known and l)eautiful little Ground Warlder is a com- 

 mon, abundant, and widely diffused species, occurring throughout the Ignited 

 States from ocean to ocean, and from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada and 

 Nova Scotia. It is found, during the winter months, in Cuba, Jamaica, ^lex- 

 ico, Yucatan, Guatemala, Costa Bica, the Bahamas, and, in the fall, in l>er- 

 muda. On the Pacific coast it has been found from Cape St. Lucas to the 

 British territories. It breeds from Northern Georgia to Halifax, inclusive. 



In Central America, Mr. Salvin states that this Warbler is by far tlie most 

 common of the Mniot'iltida', but is wholly migi'atory. It was usually found 

 in the neighborhood of water, freipienting the reeds that surrounded Lidve 

 Puenas, and the bushes on the banks of its outlet. It was also taken by 

 Mr. Boucard at Totontopec, among the mountains of Oaxaca, ^lexico. 



It was observed as far to the north as I^ake of the AVoods, bv Mr. Kenni- 

 ci»tt. Seveml were there observed, both males and females, May 29. It is 

 everywhere (piite conmion, and is, I think, as numerous in New England as 

 in the Middle States. 



For the most part it seems to prefer wild lands, especially those overgrown 

 with briers and low bushes, to open or cultivated grounds. Yet this prefer- 

 ence is not exclusive, as I have known a pair, or their ott'spring, to visit the 



