Birds of Canada. 51 



C. excubitorides. The White-rumped Shrike. 



The characteristics of this shrike are similar 

 to those of the preceding species, except that 

 the tail is shorter and the head larger. 



Sub-Family VlREONIN^:. The Vireos. 

 Vireo olivacens. The Red-eyed Vireo. 



This is one of our most industrious and inter- 

 esting little visitors. It is six and a-half inches 

 long, the wing three and a-half inches. Color, 

 olive-green, above ; white, below ; the head, dark 

 ash ; and iris, red ; a whitish line from the bill 

 over the eye. The nest is generally suspended 

 from forked twigs ; eggs, four to six, spotted 

 with reddish-brown. Feeds entirely upon insects 

 and their larvae. The Red-eyed Vireo is one of 

 the earliest singers of spring, and the latest of 

 autumn. Its notes are loud, clear, and melodious. 

 Throughout the day he hops from branch to 

 branch, searching in the foliage for caterpillars 

 and noxious larvae, Arrives in Canada about 

 the tenth of May, and departs for the south 

 early in October. 



V. gilvus. The Warbling Vireo. 



This pretty bird is five and a-half inches long; 

 the color, olive-green, above ; beneath, white, 

 tinged with yellow. Its song is very mellow and 



