30 XTbe Warbler 



does not increase at this season of the year, and it is very probable that 

 those who have been raised among us remain still farther to the South. As 

 our summer birds, such as the Blue Grosbeak {Fringilla coerulea), the Painted 

 Bunting (Fringilla ciris) and our Warblers and Flycatchers abandon us toward 

 the close of autumn, we receive at the same time fresh supplies of feathered 

 hordes from Canada and the northern portions of the United States. Many 

 of these remain in our mild climate of Carolina during the whole winter. 

 Some of them, such as the Yellow-bird [Fringilla tristis)^ the Siskin {Fringilla 

 pinus), the Purple Finch {Fringilla purpurea) and the Woodcock only approach 

 our southern climates in proportion as they are pursued by the cold. These 

 seem to beg their subsistence on their passage, and linger among us no 

 longer than their necessities require. 



When our winter birds return to their breeding places in the North, 

 thev are in the early period of spring replaced by analagous species from 

 the Tropics, which resort to the mild climate of South Carolina; and prin- 

 cipally along our maritime districts to rear their young. Of the many spec- 

 ies of Northern Hawks the Red-shouldered {Falco lineatus,) one of the 

 most common species in the United States, is the only one that remains in 

 our low country during summer. 



In the meantime, several interesting species from the South arrive 

 among us, of gentler and less destructive habits, feeding principally on in- 

 sects and lizards. The beautiful Swallow-tailed Hawk {Falco fur catus), a 

 Mexican species, which seems to be ever on the wing, builds its nest on the 

 highest trees of our forest. The Mississippi Kite {Falco plumbeno,) with 

 similar habits, and also feeding whilst on the wing, is found occasionally in 

 ©roups of four or five soaring together high in the air. This bird is so gen- 

 tle when alighted that it generally suffers you to walk under the tree with- 

 out being disturbed. The Black-winged Hawk, the {Falco dispar) is another of 

 our number. It bears so strong a resemblance to an Asiatic Hawk {Falco 

 melanapherus,) that although it is described as a distinct species, I have 

 never been able to detect the slightest difference. It is occasionally met with 

 us as early as the beginning of February, and breeds on a few of our Islands 

 along our Sea-board. This species it has hitherto been supposed never mi- 

 grated north of Florida. When the Gannets {Sula vapana lacep. ) leave us for 

 their northern rocks, we are visited by the two species of Pelicans (Pvlicanus 

 onocralalus, L. end P. /uscus, L.) and by immense flocks of the Wood Ibis {Tan- 

 talus locuator,L.). The latter commence regular systematic attacks on the 

 fish in our ponds and rice fields. First muddying the water and then kill- 

 ing ten times as many as they can consume, leaving a rich repast for the 

 Alligator. Strange as it may appear in birds so large and numerous, their 

 nests have never been found. No sooner do the Virginia Rail {Rallasvirgm- 

 ianus,L.) and the Sora {R. carolinus) leave us than their place is supplied by 



