SUMMER YELLOW-BIRD OR WARBLER. 
369 
The egg, deposited before the laying of the rightful ten- 
ant, too large for ejectment, is ingeniously incarcerated 
in the bottom of the nest, and a new lining placed above 
it, so that it is never hatched to prove the dragon of the 
brood. Two instances of this kind occurred to the obser- 
vation of my friend, Mr. Charles Pickering ; and last sum- 
mer I obtained a nest with the adventitious egg about 
two thirds buried, the upper edge only being visible, so 
that in many instances, it is probable, that this species 
escapes from the unpleasant imposition of becoming a 
nurse to the sable orphan of the Cow-bird. She, howev- 
er, acts faithfully the part of a foster-parent when the 
egg is laid after her own. 
The Summer Yellow Bird, to attract attention from its 
nest, when sitting, or when the nest contains young, some- 
times feigns lameness, hanging its tail and head, and flut- 
tering feebly along, in the path of the spectator ; at other 
times, when certain that the intrusion had proved harm- 
less, the bird would only go off a few feet, utter a feeble 
complaint, or remain wholly silent, and almost instantly 
resume her seat. The male, as in many other species of 
the genus precedes a little the arrival of his mate. To- 
wards the latter end of summer the young and old feed 
much on juicy fruits, as mulberries, cornel berries, and 
other kinds. 
This species is about 5 inches long, and 7 in alar stretch> Above, 
greenish yellow. Crown, front, and below, golden yellow ; breast 
and sides spotted with rufous orange. Wings and tail deep brown, 
edged with yellow. Tail emarginated. Bill and eye-lids light 
greyish-blue. Legs pale. — Female generally without streaks on the 
breast. The young , at first, olive, with but little yellow below. 
