_Icteria virens virens. Case 8, Fig. 49_
A large bird, superficially, quite unlike the true
Warblers but nevertheless agreeing with them in
essential structure. L. 7-1/2.
_Range._ Nests from Texas and northern Florida to
southern Minnesota and (locally) Massachusetts;
winters in the tropics.
Washington, common S.R., Apl. 16-Sept. 28.
Ossining, common S.R., Apl. 28-Aug. 29. Cambridge,
rather rare and irregular S.R., May 15-Sept. N.
Ohio, common S.R., May 1-Sept. 15. Glen Ellyn,
local, not common. May 10-Aug. 16. SE. Minn., rare
S.R. (?).
If the Chat lived in England what a wealth of lore, legend, and
literature would owe its origin to his strange ways and stranger notes!
Here he is known to few but the initiated, who find an endless interest
in his odd song-medley and peculiar antics. Go yourself to the
brush-grown, thickety wood borders and clearings he loves and let him be
his own interpreter. You may even find his nest low down in some crotch
with its white, evenly speckled eggs, and hear his angry _ch[)u]t_ as he
resents your presence.