Range.—Breeds in the southern half of the U. S. The Northern Parula (usnea), No. 648a, breeds in the northern half of the U. S. and southern Canada; it is brighter colored than the southern form. Both varieties winter from the Gulf States southward.
SENNETT WARBLER 649. Compsothlypis pitiayumi nigrilora. 4½ inches
A smaller similar bird from southern Texas. Note the black ear patches and lack of black on breast.
CAPE MAY WARBLER 650. Dendroica tigrina. 5 inches
Male, with a chestnut wash on the ears and throat; female, duller and with little or no chestnut.
In the greater part of eastern North America, Cape May Warblers are regarded as rare birds; they appear to migrate in compact bodies, not spreading out over the country as do most of the others; consequently they may be very common in restricted areas while lacking entirely in others. I have never met with but two specimens in Massachusetts. While passing through the United States you may meet with them in open woods, parks or in shade trees along the streets of cities.
Song.—A thin, high-pitched whistle repeated several times.
Nest.—Of small cedar twigs lined with horse hair, placed within a few feet of the ground in small cedar trees; eggs white spotted with brown (.68 × .50).
Range.—Eastern N. A., breeding in eastern Canada and, rarely, northern New England; winters south of the U. S.
YELLOW WARBLER 652. Dendroica æstiva. 5 inches
Male, with chestnut streaks on the sides; female, duller and without the streaks.
An abundant bird everywhere in woodland, park, orchard or garden and one of the most vivacious of the family. Arrives in the north soon after May first and is seen flitting about like a gleam of sunshine snatching insects from the foliage or darting after them in the air. Often known as the Summer Yellow-bird. It frequently nests in garden or orchard trees, where it is a most welcome tenant.
Song.—A sharp, vigorous “che-wee, che-wee, che-wee.”
Nest.—A beautiful and compact structure of vegetable or plant fibres firmly quilted together, and fastened to upright forks of bushes or trees at low elevations. Willows along creeks, ponds or rivers are favorite resorts.
Range.—N. A., breeding from the Gulf to Labrador and Alaska; winters in Central America.