MOURNING WARBLER
679. Oporornis Philadelphia. 5½ inches
Similar to the last, but with no eye ring and with a black patch on the breast.
These birds are found in swamps and thickets, as well as among the bushes and weeds along walls, fences and the edges of woods. Their habits are like those of the [Maryland Yellow-throats], they being found on or near the ground, scratching about among the leaves or gleaning insects from the foliage of the low shrubbery. They appear to be the most abundant in the middle states and northward.
Song.—Similar to the liquid song of the [Water-Thrush]; call, a sharp “peenk,” like that of the last.
Nest.—On or near the ground in thickets or tangled vines; made of fine bark strips and fibres, lined with hair; eggs white specked with reddish brown (.71 × .54).
Range.—Eastern U. S., breeding from northern New England, Ohio and Michigan north to southern Canada; winters south of the U. S.
