SONG—BIRDS. Warblers
In the spring and fall migrations, and particularly in the spring, this is one of the most conspicuous of the smaller migrant~birds. In autumn it grows more sociable, and in winter it comes freely about the barn and sheds in search of food, often in the company of Juncos, Tree Sparrows, and Titmice, individuals of this species, wintering as far north as Massachusetts; a few, according to Dr. Allen, remaining at Cape God.
In winter it forsakes its usual insect diet for such ber- ries as it can find. Dr. Warren says that in Pennsylvania the berries of the poison-sumach (Rims oenenata) are a favourite article of its food, during the early winter, and these Warblers congregate in considerable numbers where the bush is abundant.
Speaking of the baleful poison-sumach, with its scatter- ing clusters of whitish berries, it is well for the amateur ornithologist to be on the watch for it, as its poison is so insidious that it affects many people through substantial clothing. It may be easily distinguished by the fact that the flower clusters come from the leaf axils, and the berries are whitish and semi-translucent, while the harmless species of sumach bear their flowers in terminal spires, which turn to sticky, opaque berries of a rich, brilliant red. Hamilton Gibson’s clever jingle will prove a talisman, against either poison-sumach, or the commoner poison-ivy (Rims tamicoden- dron) to those who will memorize it : —
“ Berries red, Have no dread l Berries white, Poisonous sight 1 Leaves three Quickly flee l "
Magnolia Warbler: Dendroica maculoaa. Black-and—Yellow Warbler.
Length: 4.76-6 inches. Kala and Female: Above, back dark olive, crown a bluish ash, bor- n 97
