Birds of Mussachusetts. 133 
structed with grass, inside and out, and is arched 
over with a large patch of the same material, over- 
spread with twigs and leaves, so as to resemble the 
rest of the ground. An entrance is left at the side, 
which is generally toward the sun. The eggs, from 
four to six in number, are white, spotted with brown 
toward the larger end. If the female be discovered 
on her nest, she creeps swiftly and silently away. 
If she sees the intruder looking for the nest, she 
flutters, pretends lameness, and generally succeeds in 
drawing off his attention; but she suffers much from 
snakes and other animals, which are not easily 
deceived, and cannot be resisted. These birds live 
on insects, particularly such as they find upon the 
ground. 
The Yretiow-crownep WARBLER, Sylvia corona- 
ta, sometimes called the myrtle bird, is quite com- 
mon here for two or three weeks in May, and after 
an absence of more than three months, it reappears 
on its way to its winter home. While here, they 
are very social among themselves, and come fear- 
lessly about our houses, entirely unsuspicious of 
danger, collecting the insects on which they feed. 
They breed in the northern regions. In autumn, 
they return with a less brilliant dress than in spring, 
which may be either a decided change in plumage, 
or possibly only the result of wear and travel. 'T'heir 
song, as well as some of their habits, bears a strong 
resemblance to that of the summer yellow-bird. 
Audubon found the young in Labrador ; but the only 
nest he has ever seen, was presented to him in Nova 
