Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 



often a thorny bush or tree being chosen. The eggs number from 

 3 to 6 ; they are white, more or less tinged with yellow or green 

 gray, thickly spotted, chiefly at the larger end, with yellowish 

 brown and lilac. Size — .98 x .80. See Fig. 5, Plate D. 



So much has been written on the evil propensities of this 

 bird that he possesses a thoroughly bad reputation, and is spoken 

 of as a murderer ; and that simply because he is provident and 

 lays up a store of food for the proverbial rainy day. His method 

 leaves something to be desired, it is true, but there must be rea- 

 son in what he does, and 1 cannot believe that any bird is cruel 

 and kills for the sake of killing ; that is left for man. The Log- 

 gerhead Shrike catches his prey, consisting chiefly of grasshop- 

 pers, and impales them, often before they are dead, on a thorn, 

 to be eaten at leisure. The breeding season begins, according 

 to locality, from May to June, two broods being usually reared. 



638. Swainson's Warbler: Helinaia swainsonii Aud. 



^duU— Upper parts, including wings and tail, olive brown ; the 

 crown chestnut ; a yellowish-white stripe over the eye ; 

 under parts yellowish white, shading into gray on the sides. 

 Length — 5.00. 



Breeding Range — South Carolina, southward. 



The nests are "made outwardly of leaves placed in layers, 

 and lined with pine needles and fine fibrous roots" (Davie). 

 They are placed in bushes, scrub, palmetto, or cane, either in 

 damp or dry places. 3 to 4 pale bluish-white (unmarked) eggs 

 are laid. Size — .78 x .57. 



This rare warbler was lost sight of for many years, and was 

 rediscovered by Mr. A. T. Wayne, of Charleston, South Carolina, 

 in 1885. The breeding season probably begins early in May. 



640. Bachman's Warbler: Helminthophila bachmani 



(Aud.) 



Adult $ — Upper parts : Forehead yellow ; a black patch in front 

 of crown ; crown and back of head dull gray ; back and 

 rump olive green ; tail grayish ; under parts yellow, with a 

 black patch on breast. 



AduU 2 — Without the black on the head; under parts whitish 

 yellow. Length — 4.25. 



154 



