THE BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY. 329- 



GENUS ICTERIA VIEILLOT. 



160. Icteria virens (LINN.). 

 Yellow-Breasted that. 



A rare summer resident. It has not been noted earlier than May 17, nor later 

 than August 3, but probably neither of these dates represents the extreme of its 

 presence here. 



This species on the uplands frequents the woods and the dense thickets, but on- 

 the bottoms is confined apparently to the latter. A nest taken by Mr. J. Hine, near 

 Wooster, June 17, 1893, contained five eggs, two of them, however, being those of the 

 Cowbird. The nest was situated in a hickory sapling in underbrush near the edge of 

 woodland. 



Although much has been written concerning the vocal powers of the Yellow- 

 breasted Chat, little attention seems to have been called to its ability for mimicry; 

 yet nevertheless, besides being a wonderful ventriloquist, it manifests at times a re- 

 markable imitative faculty. The different notes of the Robin, Catbird, Brown 

 Thrasher, together with those of many other species, including even the croak of" 

 the Green Heron, are all reproduced so faithfully that one begins to wonder whether 

 after all the thicket contains not a number of birds instead of a single Yellow- 

 breasted Chat. It seems, however, that such an exhibition is more rarely given than 

 its ordinary vocal performance. This species has been found in full song on July 4 r 

 but later in the season has not been heard singing. 



GENUS SYLVANIA NUTTALL. 



WILSON'S WARBLER, NATURAL SIZE. 



161. Sylvania pusilla (WILS.). 

 Wilson's Warbler. 



A rare transient visitor. Observed in spring from May 22 to June i, but in> 

 autumn only on September 18, 1892. It has been noted principally in thickets along 

 streams, and in the undergrowth of woodland. It is in full song during its spring^ 

 passage, and its notes constitute a pleasing warble, in part somewhat suggestive of 

 the song of the House Wren. 



