YELLOW-CROWNED WARBLER, OR MYRTLE-BIRD. 363 
livery of spring, particularly as it is not any sexual dis 
tinction. 
While feeding they are very active, in the manner of 
Flycatchers, hovering among the cedars and myrtles 
with hanging wings, and only rest when satisfied with 
gleaning food. In spring they are still more timid, 
busy, and restless. Of their nest we are wholly ignorant. 
When approached, or while feeding, they only utter a 
feeble, plaintive tship of alarm. This beautiful species 
arrives here about the 7th or 8th of May, and now chiefly 
frequents the orchards, uttering, at short intervals, in the 
morning, a sweet and varied, rather plaintive warble, re- 
sembling, in part, the song of the Summer Yellow-bird, 
but much more the farewell, solitary, autumnal notes of 
the Robin Red-breast of Europe. The tones, at times, 
are also so ventriloqual and variable in elevation, that it 
is not always easy to ascertain the spot from whence they 
proceed. While thus engaged in quest of small cater- 
pillars, it seems almost insensible to obtrusion, and fa- 
miliarly searches for its prey, however near we may ap- 
proach. 
The Myrtle-bird is from 5 to 6 inches long, and 8 to 9 inches in 
alar extent. This difference in the size of individuals is very con- 
siderable. Above, a fine slate-color, the feathers centered with 
black; crown, sides of the breast, and rump, rich lemon-yellow; the 
wings and tail black, the former crossed with 2 bands of white; the 3 
exterior feathers of the latter spotted with white ; cheeks and front 
black ; chin, line over and under the eye, white. Breast cinereous, 
with black spots extending also under the wings ; belly and vent 
white, the latter spotted with black. Bill and legs black. The fe- 
male with fainter colors, and with a brownish tinge. — The princi- 
pal distinction between the spring and autumnal plumage, besides 
the clearness of the yellow crown, is the blackness of the cheeks. 
The plumage of the spring birds is very obviously worn, so that the 
brown edges of the feathers have nearly disappeared ; even the ends 
of the quills are completely rounded. This effect might naturally be 
