(_Cape May Warbler._—+Wils.+)
_Certhiola maritima._
_Sylvia maritima_, +Wils.+—Aud. pl. 414.
_Sylvicola maritima_, +Sw.+
[21] Length 4³⁄₄ inches, expanse 8²⁄₁₀, flexure 2¹⁄₂, tail 1⁸⁄₁₀,
rictus ⁵⁄₁₀, tarsus ⁸⁄₁₀, middle toe ¹¹⁄₂₀.
It is with hesitation that I place this species in the genus Certhiola.
The extreme slenderness of the beak, its curved form, and acute tip,
the form of the wings, the length of the tarsi, and above all, _the
pencil of hairs_ which forms the termination of the tongue, have guided
me in this decision. It appears to be so rare in the United States,
that but a single specimen occurred to the indefatigable Wilson, and
but one to the Prince of Canino. I found it rather less scarce in
Jamaica, having obtained some four or five specimens in the course of
the autumn and winter. The character of its plumage is certainly that
of the Warblers, as is its seasonal change: of its manners I regret
that I have no notes. When it arrives with us in October, the crown of
the male, instead of being deep black, is ashy-grey, tinged here and
there with yellow, and studded with black spots, the feathers having
black disks with ashy borders. In February, by the growth of the
feathers, and the wearing off of the edges, the black spots have become
confluent, forming an unbroken black surface, which is its summer
character. The fat of this species is of a deep fulvous hue, almost
orange.
+Fam.+—TROCHILIDÆ. (_The Humming-birds._)