SONG-BIRDS. Warblers 



green of spring, the colours blending as in the outer petals 

 of grass-grown daffodils. Lovable, cheerful little spirits, 

 darting about the trees, exclaiming at each morsel that they 

 glean. Carrying sun glints on their backs wherever they 

 go, they should make the gloomiest misanthrope feel the 

 season's charm. They are so sociable and confiding, feeling 

 as much at home in the trees by the house as in seclusion. 



This bird is one of the particular victims which the Cow- 

 bird (see page 167) selects to foster its random eggs, but 

 the Warbler puts its intelligence effectively to work, and 

 builds a floor over the unwelcome egg, and repeating the 

 expedient, if the Cowbird continues her mischief, until 

 sometimes a three-story nest is achieved. In spite of the 

 Warbler's seeming preference for man's society, it builds 

 also in lonely fields and byways. The most beautiful nest 

 that I have found, and which is now before me, was set in 

 the crotch of an old elder bush, about six feet from the 

 ground, by the side of the marsh lane. The outside is com- 

 posed of glistening milkweed flax, which forms a felt-like 

 case, and likewise lashes the nest to its support. The inte- 

 rior, to the depth of an inch, is made of the wool from the 

 stems of young ferns, matted into a material resembling 

 soft sponge ; and inside this, to give shape and stability, are 

 woven a few horsehairs. The Yellow Warbler sings from 

 its arrival until July, but has no second song period. 



Black-throated Blue Warbler : Dendroica ccerulescens. 



Length : About 5 inches. 



Male : Above bluish slaty, rather than blue ; lighter on forehead. 

 Black throat, extending along sides of body. White spot on 

 ■wings ; outer tail feathers, white spotted. Beneath white. 

 Bill and feet dark. 



Female : Entirely different. Greenish olive above, light yellow under- 

 neath, wing spots smaller. 



Song: A plaintive strain, not particularly noticeable. Call note, 

 "Z-ip, z-ip." 



Season : Early May to September in northern New England. Here as 

 a migrant in May and October. 

 95 



