AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. , 157 



rule and that it is rigidly enforced might be regarded as evident when 

 we recall the fact that we never find two pairs nesting as near neigh- 

 bors. 



Finding the nest of the Kentucky is most fascinating to the bird-stu- 

 dent and camera fiend and if results on a plate are desired, one must be 

 both, for all the experience of the former and patience of the latter must 

 be exercised to be successful. A nature lover who first looks into the 

 superbly made nest of this bird, knows a feeling akin to that of a cor- 

 respondent who has just made his first " scoop." 



All the allurements and deceptions and strategic accomplishments in- 

 herited by birds, seem to have been mastered by the Kentucky Warbler 

 in its skill in hiding its nest and keeping its whereabouts secret. 



The Kentuckys are ground Warblers and artfully conceal their nests 

 in the dense vegetation. The usual site is in the center of a weed 

 clump or at the foot of a small stump or growth of sprouts. Here a 

 deep cup-shaped nest, beautifully rounded, is formed of dry grasses 

 and stems. The outside walls are composed of leaves firmly matted 

 together. Wet leaves are used and when dry they form a compact 

 wall. The lining is generally of horse-hair and when in place, the in- 

 ner nest is round as a ball. Only a fortnight after the arrival of the 

 Kentucky Warbler, the usual complement of five eggs is ready for incu- 

 bation. By May 15th the earlier pairs are nesting and from that date 

 until June 7th, nests with eggs may be found. 



The common note is a sharp metallic "Chip." It is very penetrating 

 and can be easily heard a distance of two or three hundred yards in 

 thick timber. When familiar with the note, it can be distinguished 

 above all the wood medley and the vicinity of the nesting sites of each 

 pair of birds thereby located. The master of the household is seldom 

 to be caught napping and at your approach you will be greeted with his 

 alarm note. The little mate for whom it is intended instantly leaves 

 her ground nest and its concealed treasures. Running along the un- 

 dergrowth, she does not appear until quite a distance has been travers- 

 ed. When she joins her lord, you may see "whither she goes" but 

 from "whence she comes" you may not know. With a ventriloquent 

 effect, the alarm notes of the male seem to come from different points 

 in the mass of vegetation. You are surprised when you finally locate 

 him — not on the ground where you think — but perched in plain view on 

 a lower branch of a tree or sapling. 



As the female joins him the "chips" are doubled in volume — both 

 birds plainly showing alarm for the safety of the nest. You now feel 

 quite sure of the nearness of the nest and settle yourself to watch for 

 developments. 



