64 
HELMINTROPHAGA RUFICAPILLA. 
These first specimens were taken in a cluster of yellow pines which stood in an open field, 
but near a somewhat extensive grove. I have always found these birds in similar situations, 
for they inhabit the borders of woods, and are seldom found in the deeper portions. Even in 
the vast forests of northern New England, the Nashville Warblers are invariably found 
near the open marshy spots which are of frequent occurrence in these wilds. The males are 
quite easy to find, for they sit on the topmost bough of some tall tree and sing their loud 
songs throughout the entire day; but the females are not as frequently seen, for they are very 
quiet, and generally keep among the thick branches where they are constantly searching for 
insects. These birds place their nests on the ground, usually in the edge of a wood. They 
are careful to keep them concealed so that it is almost impossible to discover one unless the 
bird is accidentally started. But the chances of doing this are quite small, as, while incubating, 
she will sit so closely that it is extremely difficult to make her rise, and she will allow herself 
to be nearly trodden upon before flying. There is another method by which the nest may 
be discovered, however, and indeed one that may be practised to advantage in finding the eggs 
of all ground breeding Warblers. If, while the collector is walking in the woods in early 
June, he observes a female bird that appears uneasy, he should quietly retreat for a short 
distance and after watching a short time will generally see the anxious Warbler enter her nest. 
I have found rare eggs in this way which would otherwise have remained undiscovered, but 
have always found that it is useless to search for a nest which is concealed on the ground 
without having more knowledge of its whereabouts than is imparted by the uneasy actions 
of the female. 
I have several times searched for the unknown eggs of the Tennessee Warble ; while the 
female was flying frantically about, chirping loudly and frequently alighting within a yard of 
my head. In spite of these assurances that I was very near the nest I have always given up 
the search in disappointment, after having, perhaps, unconsciously crushed the concealed prize 
beneath my feet. In these instances, an half hour spent in carefully watching the bird from a 
little distance would probably have been rewarded; but the mosquitoes and black flies are so 
numerous in the sections where the Tennessee Warblers breed (Northern New England), that 
during a single moment of inaction their stiugs become unendurable and one cannot remain 
quiet for any length of time. 
It is singular that, although, as far as is known, all the members of the genus 
Helminthojphaga place their nests on the ground, the males perch in elevated situations while 
singing and, excepting during the breeding season, neither male nor female is often seen upon 
the ground. They all frequent the tops of trees which stand on the borders of woods or in 
open fields, and none of them are apt to be found in the deep forest; of the four species 
which occur commonly in eastern United States the Tennessee and Nashville occur on the 
borders of woods, while the Orange-crowned and Golden-winged appear to prefer the more 
open sections. 
The latter named species may occur rarely in northern Florida as it is quite abundant in 
Georgia. I once saw a male Warbler at Key West which I thought might be the Tennessee, 
but, as it was flitting quickly through the thick bushes I could not be certain. The Nashville 
Warblers arrive in Massachusetts about the middle of May; breed during the first week in 
June, and depart in early September. They are very rare in Florida, and to my knowledge 
there has been but one specimen taken in the state; this was captured by Mr. Boardman, 
at Jacksonville, on March 13, 1869. 
