No wing bars, but white spots on the outer tail feathers; crown, cheeks and streaks on the sides chestnut.
During migrations you will find these Warblers along roadsides, in open woods and scrubby pastures. They are of a very nervous temperament and, when at rest or when walking, are continually flirting their tail, a habit which none of the Warblers, except the [Water-thrush], seem to have. They are one of the earliest of the family to appear in the spring, reaching northern United States in April.
Song.—A short trill; an ordinary Warbler chirp.
Nest.—On the ground under shrubs, or sunken in moss; made of fine grasses, bark and moss; the four eggs are creamy white with reddish-brown spots.
Range.—Interior of N. A., breeding in the interior of British America; winters in southern U. S. 672a. Yellow Palm Warbler (hypochrysea) is brighter yellow below; it is found in eastern N. A., breeding north of Nova Scotia; winters along the Gulf.
PRAIRIE WARBLER
673. Dendroica discolor. 4¾ inches
Above greenish with chestnut spots on the back; below yellow with black markings; female paler.
These are very locally distributed birds and will often be found breeding abundantly in a small patch of brush-covered pasture, while many others apparently just as well suited for their purposes will be shunned by them. They are very active, flitting rapidly from one bush to another, the male occasionally mounting to a bush top to hurriedly deliver his song, then diving out of sight below the foliage.