21 8 LIFE-HtSTORlES OF BIRDS 



measure .82 of an inch in length, and .56 in 

 bfeadth. 



Vireo philadelphicus, Baird. 



This species called the Philadelphia Greenlet is 

 certainly very rare, and has, doubtless, been ob- 

 served in this latitude but once, when it was dis- 

 covered by Cassin, in a woods near Philadelphia, 

 in September, 1851, whilst stopping from its 

 southern migration. There are but three speci- 

 mens of this species known. 



Vireo gilvus, Bonap. 



The Warbling Vireo arrives in this latitude 

 about the 1 5th of April. It is tolerably abundant, 

 but not so much so as Vireo olivaceus. On its 

 arrival it frequents villages and towns almost ex- 

 clusively, and chiefly delights in the tall tree-tops 

 around our houses, to pour forth its song, and to 

 suspend from their highest branches its pensile 

 nest. From its first appearance until after sum- 

 mer has gone, during the livelong day, its notes 

 may be heard. It is a very sweet and constant 

 singer, but does not possess a voice that is powetv 

 ful, but one that is melodious, flute-like, and 

 tender. Even during the noontide heat its song 

 is heard, while other birds are silent. From early 

 dawn until nightfall it is in motion, in quest of 

 insects, and ever and anon gives expression to its 

 jubilant feelings in the luxury' of -song. Its de- 

 parture happens late in September. 



