172' BIRDS OF OHIO. 



branch, some feed largely upon the ground, while some 

 catch flying insects after the manner of the true Flycatchers. 

 All are useful birds and none seem to be at all injurious. 



236. (636.) Mniotilta VARiA (Linn.). 28. 



Black and White Warbler. 



Synonyms: Mniotilta varia borealis, Sylvia varia, Motacilla 

 varia. 

 Black-and-white Creeper, Black and White Creeping War- 

 bler. 

 Kirtland, Ohio Geol. Surv., 1838, 163, 182. 



Dr. Wheaton gives this warbler as a "Common summer 

 resident." It is so reported by a few observers well scat- 

 tered about the state, but is regarded by most as common 

 only during the migrations. My studies in different parts 

 of the state have convinced me that it is to be found breed- 

 ing in suitable places over the entire state, but is common 

 only locally. It breeds sparingly about Oberlin. During 

 the summer it must be sought in the deeper high woods. 

 Its creeping habits and weak song make it an inconspicuous 

 bird at best, and in the deep shadows of the woods it may be 

 easily overlooked. 



This warbler is among the first of the great host of warb- 

 lers which pass across the state — a few of them remaining all 

 summer — late in April and early in May. It appears on our 

 southern border about April 25th, and our northern border 

 about three days later. In Lorain county it is common up 

 to the middle of May and then the few which remain to 

 breed retire to the deeper woods. The last have left the 

 county by the 25th of September. 



237. (637.) Protonotaria citrea (Bodd.). 29. 



Prothonotary Warbler. 



Synonyms: Motacilla citrea. 



Golden Swamp Warbler, Willow Warbler, Golden Warbler. 

 Wheaton, Ohio Agri. Report, 1860, 363, 373. 



The distribution of this handsome warbler is largely de- 

 termined by the special conditions favorable to its breeding. 



