AMERICAN WARBLERS. 29 



whispering chitter as she approaches the young ; 

 and, warned by this call, you can creep silently 

 into the thicket and watch the parent with her 

 tender brood. 



The Golden - crowned Accentor, or Oven - bird 

 (Siiinis auricapillus) is a true Warbler, though 

 looking so much like a Thrush. In color it is 

 a beautiful olive -green above with orange crown, 

 and white below spotted with dusky on the 

 breast. It comes the last of May, but we would 

 not be aware of its presence if it were not for 

 its loud and oft -repeated chant of wee-cJiee^ ivee- 

 cJiee^ wee-chee^ uttered with inr-easing volubility to 

 the end. Follow this call and vou will find the 

 beautiful bird actively exploring the leaf -covered 

 ground for beetles, and looking nervously round 

 for the approach of a companion. The nest is 

 peculiar. It is a bulk) structure of dried leaves 

 and grasses, placed on the ground and roofed 

 over to hide its four mottled eggs from intruding 

 iiaze. 



All the Warblers are insect - eaters, and these 

 crowds of restless songsters do immense service 

 in keeping down the destructive insect hosts. 



The males mostly retire the first week of 



5 



