Warblers as a family may be classed as the most beautiful, interesting and useful birds that we have. With few exceptions, they only return from their winter quarters as the trees shoot forth their leaves or flowers, they feed largely among the foliage upon small, and mostly injurious, insects. They are very active and always flitting from branch to branch, showing their handsome plumage to the best advantage. Their songs are simple but effectively delivered and the nests are of a high order of architecture.

636. Black and White Warbler. Mniotilta Varia.

Range. - North America east of the Plains, breeding, from the Gulf States north to the Hudson Bay region; winters from our southern borders to South America.

This striped black and white

Warbler is usually seen creeping about tree trunks and branches after the manner of a Nuthatch.

They are very active gleaners and of inestimable value to man.

They, nest on the ground in woods or swamps, making their nest of strips of bark and grass, placed among the leaves usually beside stones,, stumps or fallen trees. Their three to five eggs are white, finely specked and wreathed with reddish brown. Size .65 x. 50. Data. - Worcester, Mass., June 3, 1889. Nest of strips of bark on the ground in an old decayed stump.

White

White.

White

White.

Black and White Warbler

Black and White Warbler.

636 Black and White Warbler Mniotilta Varia 1280