Habits of Hylotomus
1876. Geothlypis Philadelphia
Tuesday
June 20 [June 20, 1876] Warm with heavy thunder showers at intervals
all day, which kept the woods wet and
prevented us from finding any nests.
Stone & I got out in the boat a little
while in the forenoon and shot a few
birds. I heard a Hylotomus calling near
the shore at Peasleys brook and paddling
in I saw it fly from one stub to another.
Landing I walked up in an open field
to within 40 yds. and shot it off the
tree. It fell wounded and while coming
down uttered it [its] usual laugh. Upon picking
the bird up I found it a [female] in remarkably
fine plumage. Dissection showed that
it had not laid any eggs this season and
moreover that the largest ovaries were not
greater in size than No. 10 shot. From
observation also I should judge that these
birds were not breeding or even preparing to
breed as yet. Their motions while climbing
up the tree trunks are identical with those 
of the smaller Picidae. Their flight is
however totally different and very peculiar.
It is performed on an even plane with
very heavy wing flaps and the speed
ordinarily maintained is not greater than
that of a heron. The bird while on wing
resembles a crow as nearly as anything
but the colors are of course quite different.
I have heard only one note used. After shooting
this bird I heard a Geoth. Phil. [Geothlypis philadelphia] singing
behind Peasley's barn, and going in pursuit
soon espied him sitting motionless on
a tall stub at least 50 ft. above the ground
and singing at regular intervals. I had the good
luck to snare him also. Did not get out in the P.M.