green of spring, the colours blending as in the outer petals of grass-grown daffodils. Lovable, cheerful little spirits, darting about the trees, exclaiming at each morsel that they glean. Carrying sun glints on their backs wherever they go, they should make the gloomiest misanthrope feel the season's charm. They are so sociable and confiding, feeling as much at home in the trees by the house as in seclusion.
This bird is one of the particular victims which the Cowbird (see page 167) selects to foster its random eggs, but the Warbler puts its intelligence effectively to work, and builds a floor over the unwelcome egg, and repeating the expedient, if the Cowbird continues her mischief, until sometimes a three-story nest is achieved. In spite of the Warbler's seeming preference for man's society, it builds also in lonely fields and byways. The most beautiful nest that I have found, and which is now before me, was set in the crotch of an old elder bush, about six feet from the ground, by the side of the marsh lane. The outside is composed of glistening milkweed flax, which forms a felt-like case, and likewise lashes the nest to its support. The interior, to the depth of an inch, is made of the wool from the stems of young ferns, matted into a material resembling soft sponge; and inside this, to give shape and stability, are woven a few horsehairs. The Yellow Warbler sings from its arrival until July, but has no second song period.
Black-throated Blue Warbler: Dendroica cerulescens.
- Length:
- About 5 inches.
- Male:
- Above bluish slaty, rather than blue; lighter on forehead. Black throat, extending along sides of body. White spot on wings; outer tail feathers, white spotted. Beneath white. Bill and feet dark.
- Female:
- Entirely different. Greenish olive above, light yellow underneath, wing spots smaller.
- Song:
- A plaintive strain, not particularly noticeable. Call note, "Z-ip, z-ip."
- Season:
- Early May to September in northern New England. Here as a migrant in May and October.
