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PASSERIFORMES 
Though called “warblers” their song should, as a rule, hardly be 
dignified by such a term. With few exceptions the songs are only insig- 
nificant little notes without much prolonged continuity, but as they are 
often specifically distinctive the student is advised to pay close attention 
to them, for when the great warbler migrations are on, the presence of a 
new or rare species is often first made known by a single unfamiliar sound 
directing attention from the many to the one that would otherwise escape 
notice. 
Economic Status. The warblers are highly insectivorous. A few 
take seed, and a little fruit that is almost invariably wild, and no com- 
plaints have been made against any of the family. Their effect, therefore, 
is wholly beneficial. Being active, they reach all kinds of insect habitats 
from axils of highest flung leaves to between blades of grass on the ground, 
and as they are small, they are satisfied with insects and insect eggs that 
are too insignificant or too well hidden to receive the attention of larger 
birds. 
Creeping Warblers 
There is but one genus and one species of this group within our domains 
and it is so well characterized by habit and coloration as to be recognized 
at sight. 
636. Black and White Warbler, black and white creeper, la fauvette noire 
et blanche. Mniotilta varia. L, 5-30. Plate LXIII B, A sharply striped black and 
white warbler of pronounced creeping habits. 
Distinctions. With its strong black and white striping, most likely to be confused 
with the spring Black-polled Warbler. Besides smaller size, more intense contrasts of 
black and white, and creeping woodpecker habits, its crown with a white median stripe 
instead of being solid black will separate it easily from that species in the spring. In the 
autumn the two birds are quite different. Autumn and spring adult Black and White 
Warblers are practically alike, but juveniles are slightly overwashed with buff and have 
less black on the throat. On the southern coast of British Columbia where the Black and 
White is not known to occur, is another black and white coloured warbler, the Black- 
throated Grey Warbler, that bears a general resemblance to it (See page 354). 
Field Marks. Strong black and white striped coloration and median crown stripe. 
Creeping habits like a woodpecker. It is the only black and white warbler to be seen in 
autumn elsewhere than on the southern British Columbia coast. 
Nesting. On the ground, at the base of stump, log, or rock, in nest of strips of bark, 
grasses, etc., lined with rootlets and long hair. 
Distribution. Eastern North America and northern South America. In Canada, 
across the Dominion to the foothills, north into Mackenzie Valley, breeding in the north- 
ern wooded sections. 
This is one of the first warblers to arrive in the spring and one of 
the easiest to identify at any time, as it is always well marked and there is 
little difference in seasonal or sexual coloration. 
637. Prothonotary Warbler, la fauvette proto notaire. Prolhonotaria citrea. 
L, 5-50. A golden yellow warbler, bright rich chrome or golden on head and most of 
underparts and with greyish wings, tail, and rump. There is little plumage variation. 
Distinctions. The only warbler with an intense even golden head, neck, and breast, 
without wing-bars. The Pine and Wilson’s Warblers have green or black crowns; the 
Yellow Warbler is without the grey wings and tail and is lemon-yellow rather than orange 
or golden. 
Field Marks. The Prothonotary is too rare a species in Canada to record from 
living specimens. 
Nesting. In a hole in a stub or stump in nest of rootlets, fine twigs and moss, plant- 
down, or feathers. 
