292 NOUTH AMERICAN liUtUii. 



numerous, and several specimens were obtained. He communicated the dis- 

 covery to Lis friend, Air. William Brewster, and more than fifty specimens 

 of this rare Warbler were obtained during that season. In the lollowino- 

 autumn, in September and during the first few davs of October, these birds 

 were observed in the same locality, apparently in greater numbers, and 

 more specimens were obtained. 



Mr. Henshaw writes me that he first saw this species, September 7, 1870, 

 when he obtained a single specimen. From that time uutil September 27 it 

 was very connnon througliout the Fresh Pond swamps, to which locality it 

 seemed to be restricted. It again made its appearance in 1871, and at about 

 the frame time, and remained until October 5. It was in even greater num- 

 bers than during the preceding year. 



Their habits, while witli us in the fall, appear to be very different from 

 those of the individuals observed by Wilson and Audubon, wjiich were 

 described as bem- -f a remarkably lively disposition, and lieuce the name of 

 agihs. Mr. Henshaw found them almost constantly engaged in seeking their 

 food upon the ground. When startled, they would Hy up to the nearest bu.sh, 

 upon which they would sit perfectly motionless, in a manner clo.sely resem- 

 bling the Thruslies. If not further disturbed, they immediately returned to 

 tlie ground and resumed the search for food among the lea\es. If greatly 

 startled, tliey took a long flight among the bushes, and could mrely be" found 

 again. The only note he heard tliem utter was a single sliarp chirp, emitted 

 occasionally, when surprised. Tliey were all remarkably fat, so much so as 

 to make it difficult to obtiiin a good specimen. 



About sunset, standing on the skirts of the swam]), he has repeatedly ob- 

 served these birds alight, in great numbei-s, on tlie edge, and immediately 

 pass in, evidently intending to remain there over night. He judged that 

 they migrate entirely by day. On only one or two occasions did he ob- 

 serve tliese birds feeding in the tops of willow-trees. At such times they 

 appeared ecjually lively in their movements with tlie Dmdroiva striata, in 

 company witli whicli tlioy were a.ssociated. The birds he saw were nearly 

 all in immature plumage, adults being comparatively rare. 



Dr. Coues states that tlie Connecticut Warbler is found near W^ashington 

 in tlie month of October, but that it is rather uncommon. He did^not 

 meet with it in spring. He .sjx'aks of its frp.,uenting old buckwheat and 

 corn fields, searching for food among the dry, rank weeds, and also in swam]>y 

 places among low thickets. 



