OF NEW ENGLAND. 127 
They generally alight among the lower branches, to which 
chiefly they confine themselves, and among which, as well as 
about the blossoms, they industriously search for insects and 
their eggs, 
(ad). The song of the Black and Yellow Warblers is sweet 
and musical. It is sometimes rather soft, vividly recalling the 
song of the Yellow Bird (and allied songs), and less so that 
of the ‘Yellow-rump,” being to a certain extent like both. 
At other times, it is louder, and again like that of the Yel- 
low Bird (D. cestiva), with additional musical notes. “The or- 
dinary notes of these birds are a ¢sip, a cry of tsip-tsip-tsip, a 
soft and loud chip, a chick or chink like that of the Rose- 
breasted Grosbeak, and an ank, which recalls the similar note 
of the ‘Golden Robin.” Unfortunately of all these numerous 
sounds not one is distinctively characteristic of these warblers, 
who are somewhat shy; but fortunately, on the other hand, 
bright colors cannot always be concealed. 
This species is the last of the twelve Dendreecee, who inva- 
riably visit Massachusetts every year, and five of whom com- 
monly breed here. The birds of this genus (Dendreca) are in 
many ways the most charming members of the feathered crea- 
tion, being prettily and brightly colored, and extremely grace- 
ful and dexterous in their motions. Their songs, though never 
very striking or brilliant, are simple, pleasing, and musical, | 
and their nests and eggs are models of beauty. In addition to 
these charms, these birds are extremely useful, and do much 
to protect our trees and shrubs from the injuries of caterpillars 
and the numerous winged insects that infest them. 
XI. MYIODIOCTES 
(A) canapensis. Canada ‘‘Flycatcher.” Canada Flycatch- 
ing Warbler. ; 
(A summer-resident in northern New England, but rare in 
Massachusetts, except as a migrant.) 
(a). 5-53 inches long. In general appearance like the Black 
and Yellow Warbler (X, M), but with no white on the wings 
and tail. @, ashy-blue above of a curious tint, and bright 
