SWAWSOMS SWAMP- WARBLER. 
85 
has been obtained in Massachusetts, by Mr. Samuel Cabot. This is the 
only instance in which it is known to have been procured, or even observed, 
in that part of the country, where nothing farther has therefore been ascer- 
tained respecting its history. 
The species to which this approaches nearest is the Sylvia vermioora. 
The bird, however, is very closely allied to the Wrens, which it greatly 
resembles in the form of its bill and feet, although in the form of its wings 
it differs essentially. 
To none of my ornithological friends could I assuredly with more pro- 
priety have dedicated this species than to him, the excellent and learned 
author, whose name you have seen connected with it — to him, who has 
himself traversed large portions of America, who has added so considerably 
to the list of known species of birds, and who has enriched the science of 
ornithology by so many valuable works. 
Swainson’s Warbler, Sylvia Swainsonii, Aud. Ora. Biog., vol. ii. p. 56-3 ; vol. v. 
p. 402. 
Adult. 
Bill as long as the head, slender, straight, tapering to a point, much 
compressed, the ridge rather sharp, the sides of the upper mandible at the 
base declinate and flat, the edges inflected. Nostrils basal, lateral, oblong, 
half filled above by a cartilaginous membrane. The form is slender and 
graceful. Feet of ordinary length, slender ; tarsus compressed, anteriorly 
covered with a few long scutella, posteriorly sharp, longer than the middle 
toe ; toes free, but the outer united to the second joint ; claws arched, very 
slender, very acute, extremely compressed, with a lateral groove, the hind 
claw much larger. 
Plumage soft, blended, slightly glossed. Wings longish, the first three 
quills almost equal, the first being very slightly shorter, secondaries narrow 
and rounded. Tail of ordinary length, straight, even, of twelve rather 
narrow rounded feathers. 
Bill light brown, darker at the tip. Iris brown. Feet and claws flesh- 
coloured. The colouring of the plumage is extremely simple, the whole of 
the upper parts being of a rich brown, tinged with red on the head, while 
the under parts are very pale brownish-grey, the sides darker. The sides of 
the head are brownish-white, the feathers tipped with brown, and a whitish 
line passes over the eye. 
Length 5i, extent of wings 8i ; bill along the ridge T 7 2 , along the edges 
T 2 ; tarsus ff, middle toe including the nail %. 
Yol. II. 14 
