YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. 
303 
This species of Vireo, or Warbling Flycatcher, visits 
the Middle and Northern States of the Union about the 
beginning of May, or as soon as his insect food allows 
him a means of subsistence. He resides chiefly in the 
forest, where he hunts his tiny prey among the high 
branches, and as he shifts from twig to twig in the rest- 
less pursuit, he often relieves his toil with a somewhat sad 
and indolent note, which he repeats, with some variation, 
at short intervals. This song appears like ’preea [ preed , 
&c., and it sometimes finishes with a complaining call 
of recognition, ’prreaigh 5 prreaigh . These syllables rise 
and fall in different tones as they are repeated, but though 
usually sweet and impressive, are delivered too slow and 
solemn to be generally pleasing ; in other respects they 
considerably resemble the song of the Red-Eyed Warb- 
ling Flycatcher, in whose company it is often heard, 
blending its deep but languid warble, with the loud, ener- 
getic notes of the latter, and their united music, uttered 
during summer, even at noon day, is rendered peculiarly 
agreeable, as nearly all the songsters of the grove are 
now seeking a silent shelter from the sultry heat. In the 
warmest weather, the lay of this bird is indeed peculiarly 
strong and lively; and his usually long drawn, almost 
plaintive notes are now delivered in fine succession, with 
a peculiar echoing and highly impressive musical ca- 
dence ; appearing like a romantic and tender reverie of 
delight. The song, now almost incessant, heard from 
this roving sylvan minstrel, is varied in bars nearly as 
follows : pred pred preoi , preait preoit p’mweet preeai , 
pewai praiou , preeai preeo praoit , preeo predwit preeoo. 
When irritated, he utters a very loud and hoarse mewing, 
praigh , praigh. As soon, however, as the warm weather 
begins to decline, and the business of incubation is 
finished, about the beginning of August, this sad and 
