Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 



The nest is large and compact, built of leaves, grass, and 

 thin strips of bark, with the lining of fine grass. It is placed usu- 

 ally within four or five feet of the ground in the crotch of a small 

 shrub, and occasionally in a tangle of vines. Number of eggs 

 from 3 to 5 ; they are white or pinkish white, rather sparsely and 

 evenly marked with reddish brown spots; the spots are rarely 

 confined to the larger end. Size — .92 x .72. See Fig. 6, Plate D. 



A" chat's nest may be found hidden in the dense undergrowth 

 of a clearing, in swampy places, or in any kind of open thicket. 



It seems curious that, while the Chat is so crafty in hiding 

 himself from view, he manifests but little skill in concealing his 

 nest. By any one who does not object to penetrating the dense 

 thickets of briers and undergrowth, the nest may be easily found, 

 for it is large and usually but poorly concealed by leaves. The 

 builder appears to rely almost entirely on the natural fence of 

 growing barbed wire for protection from human enemies. The 

 bird seems to glide off its nest without being seen or heard, and 

 makes scarcely any commotion if the nest be disturbed. Young 

 chats may be reared by hand and become fairly tame, but un- 

 fortunately they show too great an independence of spirit, and 

 do not appear particularly desirous of human companionship. 



During the breeding season, which begins about the middle 

 of May, the chats may be heard giving voice to their varied notes, 

 which can be readily imitated and will immediately attract the 

 inquisitive bird. The song is frequently performed while the 

 bird is in mid-air, not flying in an orthodox way, but flapping its 

 wings in a most extraordinary manner, presenting more the ap- 

 pearance of a large moth than a bird. In the vicinity of New 

 York the nesting season commences about the second week in 

 May. 



684. Hooded Warbler: Sylvania mitrata (Gmel.) 



Adult 3 — Back, wings, and tail olive green; forehead and cheeks 

 bright yellow; a black hood on head and neck, extending to 

 the throat and upper part of breast ; rest of under parts 

 yellow. 



Adult ? — Very similar, the black hood being less defined. 

 Length — 5.67. 



Breeding Range — The Eastern States, from southern Connecticut 

 southward. 



165 



