199 



In the winter this species is confined within a limited oceanic island 

 habitat and is an instance of the difficulties in the way of abnormally 

 increasing the numbers of native species. It is evident that we can never 

 have in the north a greater number of Kirtland's Warblers than can live 

 through the winter on the Bahama islands. 



671. Pine Warbler, fr. — la pauvette des pins. Dendroica vigorsi. L, 5-52. 

 A dull green warbler, the green changing to dull j^ellow on throat and breast with greyish 

 or brownish wings and tail and faint wing-bars; in high plumage rarely becoming fairly 

 bright yeUow on throat and breast. There is Uttle sexual or seasonal change. 



Distinctions. Very similar to the Yellow-throated Vireo but greener in colour and 

 with the yellow below stronger and more extensive. The white abdomen is inconspicuous. 

 The bill is lighter and warbler-like instead of being stout, hooked, and of Vireo type. From 

 the Yellow Warbler it can be separated by its duller colour and the contrast between its 

 wings and tail and body. Its preference for pine trees is at least suggestive of its identity. 



Field Marks. A dull green warbler, yellow on breast with greyish brown wings, white 

 wing-bars. Canadian specimens are usually somewhat soiled and bedraggled in appear- 

 ance. Almost invariably found in pine trees. 



Nesting. In pine trees 10 to 80 feet above the ground, in nest of strips of bark, leaves, 

 plant fibres, etc. 



Distribution. Eastern North America, west to the prairies and north to the limits of 

 the pine woods; breeding in Canada mostly beyond settlement. 



The preference for pines, which this bird shows, is striking. It is 

 rarely, if ever, found away from them. In consequence, it is likely to have 

 its plumage more or less soiled with pitch which gives it a dull and worn 

 appearance. Bright, clean birds of this species are rare with us. 



672. Palm Warbler, fr. — la pauvette A coueonneeoussb. Dendroica palmarum. 

 L, 5-25. A dull or greenish warbler. Male: all underparts bright or suffused yellow; cap 

 reddish-chestnut. The breast and flanks are streaked more or less with rufous and a yellow 

 eyebrow line contrasts with dark cheeks and red cap. Females similar but colour 

 subdued. Juveniles and autumn birds are greyish brown above; buff below with faint 

 streaks, almost white on throat and suffused with distinct yellow increasing to pm-e 

 yellow on undertail coverts. There is a blended yellowish rump patch in all plumages. 



Distinctions. The yellow underparts and red cap are umnistakable in all spring birds. 

 In autumn the vaguely striped underparts, brown back, and yellow undertail coverts are 

 distinctive. 



Field Marks. The habitual, sandpiper-like upward jerk of the tail will distinguish this 

 from all other warblers with yellow underparts except the Prairie Warbler. The bright 

 yellow confined to the undertail coverts, light throat, and vaguely striped buff breast of the 

 juveniles will assist in separation of the species from comparable forms. 



Nesting. On or near the ground in boggy ground or sphagnum barrens in nest of 

 coarse grass, lined with fitted feathers. 



Distribution. Eastern North America west to the prairies and north to near tree 

 limits; breeding mostly beyond the bounds of civihzation. The Yellow Palm Warbler is of 

 eastern distribution west to the eastern Ontario boundary. The Interior Palm Warbler 

 occupies the remainder of eastern Canada. 



SUBSPECIES. The Palm Warbler is divided into two subspecies, the type form, the 

 Interior Palm Warbler D.p. palmaium, distinguished in adult spring plumage from the 

 Yellow Palm Warbler D.p. hypochrysea by the smaller amount of yellow and the reduced 

 briUiancy of the underparts which are sUghtly tinged with greyish. The two forms, how- 

 ever, are too similar to separate without specimens of both for comparison. 



A ground-haunting bird. On migration to be looked for in low, 

 scrubby, and sandy wastes. In breeding season in mossy bogs. 



673. Prairie Warbler. Dendroica discolor. L, 4-75. A green and yellow warbler. 

 Throat, cheeks, and all underparts of male bright yellow; a black line through the eye, a 

 black wedge below the ear coverts, and a succession of black lines along the sides of the 

 breast and flanks. Middle of back has a saddle of reddish spots. Female similar but 

 occasionally almost or quite without the reddish on back. Juveniles similar but colours 



