D. BLACKBURN^S : BLACKBURN S WARBLER. 135 



ern New England in the breeding season, but such 

 proves to be not the case. In Massachusetts, accord- 

 ing to Mr. Allen, some remain during the summer, 

 from among the large numbers that pass through 

 in migration, and a similar statement is offered by 

 Mr. Minot ; while even in Connecticut, says Mr. 

 Merriam, " a few sometimes breed." A nest found by 

 Mr. Minot near Boston was built in a thick hemlock 

 wood, about twenty feet from the ground; it contained 

 three young and one egg, the latter measuring 0.65 

 by 0.50, and resembling that of the Chestnut-sided 

 Warbler, in being white, with reddish-brown and lilac 

 markings, chiefly about the larger end. The nest has 

 been described by Audubon as composed externally of 

 various substances, internally of silky fibres and fine 

 shreds of bark, lined with a thick bed of feathers and 

 hair. At Upton, Me., where the bird is common in 

 summer, it frequents the higher parts of coniferous trees, 

 where its nest is doubtless placed, but so concealed by 

 the hanging moss as to be hard to find. At all times, 

 the Blackburnian Warbler prefers high open woods, 

 generally disporting and foraging among the upper 

 branches and in the terminal foliage. Though some- 

 times seen in April, it is usually one of the later spring 

 arrivals, coming about the second week in May. It is 

 extremely abundant some seasons, in certain localities, 

 but rare other years, in places apparently not less invit- 

 ing. The return movement begins early in September, 

 and is usually accomplished during that month, though 

 a few loiterers may be found in southern districts for 

 some days in October. The nesting appears to be rather 

 late, as young birds are rarely abroad' before July. 

 This species is omitted from Dr. Brewer's list. 



