LAND-BIRDS
unnamed by people in general. These Warblers inhabit the woods, feeding among the trees, or, in some species, upon the ground. They comprise both migrants and summer residents; of small size, bills slender, shorter than the head, wings pointed and usually shorter than the tail. All but a few Ground Warblers have brightly coloured or much varied plumage, ranging through all shades of olive, yel-low, red, orange, brown, and black. They have sweet, lisping songs, which are neither full nor varied. The well-known Yellow Warbler belongs to this class; also the Black and White Warbler. The exceptions to this rule are the Oven-© bird, Water Thrush, and the Louisiana Water Thrush, which are Ground Warblers, having sober, Thrush-like plumage and exquisite voices, and the Chat, which has brilliant green and gold plumage and a clear, loud voice, mocking and whistling by turns.
Family Vireonida: Vireos. Page 116.
6 Species.
Birds of small size, bills hooked at tip - shorter than the head. Sexes alike in colouring; the plumage (remain-ing quite constant at all seasons) is generally olivaceous above and whitish or yellow below. One species has red and one white eyes. All are musical and persistent singers of a colloquial type, feeding and singing in orchard or forest trees, according to the species. A family easily confused with the Warblers, unless its superior vocal abilities are remembered.
Family Laniide: Shrikes. Page 122
1 Species.
Carnivorous birds, bold, handsome, and quarrelsome, bills sharply hooked at end; general colour gray and black, bristles at nostrils, and muscular feet. In winter and early spring they may be seen perching in the bare trees, where they are on the watch for small birds, upon which they prey.
