VIREOS 



(630) VIreo atricapillus 



Woodhouse (Lat., black hair). 



BLACK-CAPPED VIREO. Ad. 

 <f — As shown by the nearer bird ; top 

 and sides of head black, cntlosinj; a 

 loral streak and eye-ring of white; 

 back olive-green ; wing bars yellowish- 

 white; below dull white. Ad. 9 — 

 Similar but duller, the dark portions 

 of the head being grayish. Im. — 

 Top and sides of head dull brown; 

 lores and orbital ring dull buffy; be- 

 low buffy-white. L., 4.70; W., 2.25; 

 T., 1.90. Nest — Made of bark, 

 fibres and moss, closely woven with 

 spider webs and lined with fine 

 grasses; suspended by the rim from 

 forked branches at low elevations; 

 eggs pure white, unmarked, .70 x .52. 



Range — Breeds from southwestern 

 Kan. south to central and western 

 Tex. Winters in Mexico. 



between are very much longer. It has a double-toned con- 

 tralto quality and, if we listen a few minutes, we are sure to 

 hear the singer insert a pretty little trill. Their nests are 

 not different from those of Red-eyed Vireos but the eggs are 

 cream-colored and the few spots are of a brighter reddish- 

 brown. 



All the vireos pass the winter in wanner climes, chiefly 

 in Central America. Two species return to the Northern 

 States several weeks in advance of the others, the last and 

 BLUE-HEADED VIREOS, which I regard as the hand- 

 somest and most winning member of the family. Although 

 often known as Solitary Vireos, they are no more solitary in 

 their habits than most other species. Their songs are quite 

 like those of the last species but more variable and not as 

 clear toned; frequently the song will be interrupted by a 

 chattering note like that of an oriole or by a happy little trill. 

 They are never timid and during nesting are often quite 

 tame. I have repeatedly been allowed to stroke sitting 



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