-348 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 91 



-FIELD NOTES- 

 NESTING HABITS OF KENTUCKY WARBLER. 



Tlie interesting account, in your September issue, of the Ken- 

 tucky "Warbler nesting in northern Ohio, brings to mind an exper- 

 ience with a pair of Kentuclvy Warblers" nest building in the hill 

 countiy at Cincinnati, Ohio, Avhere it is a well-known bird. 



In a bit of sloping woodland we spied a female Kentucky (Opor- 

 oniis forinosus) nioA'iug about in a suspicious manner. Quietly 

 seating ourselves in a shielded spot we soon found she was indeed 

 nest building. 



A large fallen tree in the lowest part of the woodland served as 

 her approach ; here she would light, carrying by the top a dry beech 

 leaf, the pink feet being the only visible portion of the bird. The 

 length of the log was traversed and each trip slie left it at the 

 same point for the spot of her jjuilding. 



In Chapnuin's book, •' The Warblers of North America," page 

 240, is this statement referring to their nest building : " The male 

 unquestionaljly aids his mate." Our pair was evidently an exception 

 to the rule. As she worked the ringing song of the male could be 

 heard in the distauce, liut when interest overcame his discretion 

 and he alighted silently in a nearby tree, slie stopped in her jour- 

 ney on the log. Tlie very cessation of his staig seemed to arou.se 

 her suspicions and slie stood in a listening attitude; when he came 

 near she grew tense and immoval)le as a statue until he flew away 

 and his song was again heard in the distance; if he alighted on the 

 log she routed him sharply. After these interruptions slie went most 

 leisurely about resuming lier work. At no time did the male bring 

 nesting material. 



The nest was in tlie lower part of the wooded slope, which was 

 almost free from slirul>l)ery. The site selected was at the base of 

 a very small horse cliestnut. aliout two feet high. 



The beech leaves were prettily placed in a cup form resemliling 

 tlie petals of a half blown rose ; some of the leaves were placed 

 lengthwise rather than tij* down. 



Enfortunately it was necessary to leave before the completion of 

 the nest, which could not have been accomplished l>efore the fol- 

 lowim: (lay. 



This incident occurred on the afternoon of May the seventh. 



Lucy \. Baxtkk Coffin. 

 '.V2'.V2 (iroveland .\veiiue. Cliicago, 111. 



