156 
THE RED-EYED YIREO. 
vocalist resting as it were to enjoy the sounds of its own music ; next moment 
all seems hurry and bustle ; — it raises its voice, and chants on with great 
volubility, so loudly that one might think the little creature intent on 
drowning all other sounds. The darker the woods, the more cloudy the 
day, the more unremitting are its exertions. It is one of the earliest singers 
in spring, and among the latest in autumn. In the south-eastern parts of 
East Florida, where many spend the winter, I have heard its notes and those 
of the White-eyed Vireo, even at that season. In South Carolina, in the 
neighbourhood of Charleston, I have heard and seen it early in the month of 
February, when scarce a leaf was yet expanded. It is not seen in Louisiana 
until the beginning of March, and I am inclined to think that perhaps an 
equal number of these birds come to us from the West India Islands or 
from Mexico. 
Few birds seem to enjoy life more than this Vireo, for at almost every 
short cessation of its song, it is seen making a movement or two up or along 
a branch, searching with extreme diligence for food, peeping cautiously 
under the leaves, and examining each bud or blossom with a care peculiarly 
its own. It may be seen flying from one tree to another with indefatigable 
industry, and this not only from morning to night, but during the whole 
time of its stay with us. 
So abundant is this bird, and so prodigal of its song, that any one paying 
the least attention is sure to hear it either from the trees which embellish 
the streets of the villages and cities, or the gardens and woods. The prin- 
cipal notes resemble the syllables pewee, pea, sho-re , sheire, chew-ree pivoit. 
They are, as I have said, clear, loud, and melodious. 
The flight of this bird is altogether performed in a gliding manner, and 
when it is engaged in pursuit of a rival or an enemy, it passes through the 
woods with remarkable swiftness. It is an affectionate parent, generally 
leading about its young, particularly its second brood ; for it often breeds 
twice in the year, even in the State of Massachusetts, or far up on the Mis- 
sissippi. On such occasions, the parents proceed through the woods with 
more care, and on the least appearance of danger utter a querulous note, 
the meaning of which is so well understood by the little family, that they 
seldom fail to hide or become mute in an instant. The young are fed for 
several weeks after they leave the nest, and, I believe, migrate with the old 
ones, for I have frequently seen them on the move until dusk, and going to 
roost together at nightfall. I do not recollect ever having seen one of 
them on the ground. 
Like the true Flycatchers, these birds eject small pellets formed of the 
.hard crusts of the abdomen, legs, and other parts of insects. I have but very 
