Page:Birdcraft-1897.djvu/161

Warblers Range: Eastern United States to the Plains, north to Ontario and New Brunswick, wintering in the South Atlantic and Gulf States, and the Bahamas.

The Pine Warbler, the largest of the tribe, shares with the Myrtle and Palm Warblers the distinction of being one of the three hardiest of the tribe. Like so many of the family, they are most frequently seen in hemlock and pine woods, and also in parks and gardens where these conifers have been planted freely. This Warbler has none of the delicacy of shape or beauty of colouring belonging to his kin. Even the male in full plumage shows few dainty variations and blendings of colour, and it has a heaviness of build that is more Finch-like.

The best way to designate its song is to say that it has some of the qualities of a Sparrow's; remembering to keep in mind (as with all Warblers) that the notes are never clear and pure as in the case of Sparrows and Thrushes, but are half whispered, as if to save the strain on the vocal chords. This Warbler combines some of the traits of a Creeper and Flycatcher. It often circles about the tree trunks like the Nuthatch or Brown Creeper, sails into the air after insects, and then descends to the ground, all in the space of a few minutes.

Length: 6 inches.

Male and Female: Chestnut crown, brownish, verging on olive above, with some dark streaks; rump and wing coverts yellowish. Under parts clear yellow, with bright chestnut streaks on the sides. Wings and tail dull, dark brown. Bill and feet dark. Female not essentially different.

Song: Unknown to me. It gives a few whispering notes as it feeds.

Season: A migrant, middle of April and October.

Breeds: Northward from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Nest: On the ground, and very deep; made of weeds, grasses, and lined with moss, fine grasses, and hair.

Eggs: 2-4, rosy white, marked with brown spots at the large end.

Range: Atlantic States north to Hudson's Bay; winters in the South Atlantic and Gulf States.