190 
Distribution. As a species the Solitary Vireo extends over all of the United States and 
Canada north to the extreme limits of settlements. The Blue-headed, the eastern repre- 
sentative of the species, ranges west to central Alberta. 
_ SUBSPECIES. The Solitary Vireo is divided into several subspecies, only one of 
which, the Blue-headed Vireo L. s. solitarius, the type form, occurs in eastern Canada. 
A pretty little Vireo and a common inhabitant of woodland and 
orchard during migrations. The song is similar to that of the Red-eyed, 
but an attentive ear can easily distinguish between them. 
631. White-eyed Vireo. Vireo griseus. L,5°27. A small Vireo like the Warbling 
but of much richer green colour on back and with yellow loral mark and eye-ring; iris 
white. Throat and underparts almost pure white; strongly yellow on flanks; wings have 
two yellowish bars. 
Distinctions. White iris, yellow eye-ring and loral mark, strong yellow on flanks, and 
white breast and abdomen. 
Field Marks. This species is too rare in Canada and too similar to other species to 
be recorded on eyesight observation alone. 
Nesting. Nest usually similar to that of the Red-eyed. 
Distribution. All forms of the species are southern. The eastern White-eyed occurs 
in the eastern United States north to New York and Massachusetts and is only accidental 
in Canada. 
SUBSPECIES. The White-eyed Vireo is represented by several subspecies, the 
type form, the Northern White-eye V. g. griseus being the only one which occurs in Canada. 
A bird of the south noted for its remarkable voice. This species is 
included here on the basis of a few records scattered along the southern 
borders of Canada. 
FAMILY—MNIOTILTIDZH. WOOD WARBLERS. L, 4-25-—7-44. 
General Description. Small birds, only one Canadian species being over 6-28 inches 
long and very few over 5.75. They are usually bright coloured woodland and treetop 
birds though a few inhabit the ground and the grass. They are, as a family, difficult 
of diagnosis and the genera can be most easily recognized by the bills (Figures 57, 58, 59, 
p. 27) though considerable familiarity with the species is necessary to recognize the 
generic characteristics. 
Field Marks. No reliable field marks which cover the whole family can be given. 
However, after a little experience with them their small size, bright colours, and sprightly 
actions are easily recognized. They are most likely to be confused with the Vireos. 
Nesting. The nesting habits of the family are various, some build in trees, from down 
near the ground to well up towards the tops of the taller trees, others on the ground or in 
grass, and some in holes in dead stubs, etc. 
Distribution. Most of the warblers breed in the northern spruce woods beyond the 
limits of general settlement. A few nest in the more cultivated sections and some just 
cross the International Boundary. All are migratory and spend the winter, according to 
species, from northern United States south to the Amazon country of South America. 
The American Wood Warblers constitute a large family peculiar to 
the Americas. In fact they divide the honours in point of numbers with 
the sparrows. The Warblers are the delight of the amateur bird observer. 
So small that few but the enthusiast ever see them, but so numerous and 
brilliantly-coloured that their discovery opens up a new world of interest 
to the beginner. The sexes are usually dissimilar and there is considerable 
seasonal change in plumage. This, multiplied by the large number of 
species makes the task of identifying all of them seem almost hopeless to 
the beginner. It is not, however, as difficult as it seems at first. The 
spring males are usually distinctly marked and as many of them are fur- 
nished with descriptive names their differentiation is comparatively simple. 
