Figs
102-109.-Heads of Warblers. (Natural size.) LOUISIANA WATER-THRUSH.
WOOD WARBLERS. comparatively rare they become! The reason is not hard to find. At most times the Oven-bird is somewhat of a recluse. He passes much of his time on or near the ground, generally where the woods are more or less undergrown. Only the practiced ear will detect his sharp, weak cheep.
If there be such a thing as inspiration, I believe the Oven-bird sings under its influence. Not that his usual song is in the least remarkable, but because the bird is so obviously moved by a spirit which demands utterance. Watch him now as he is about to sing. Flying up from the ground, how cautiously he hops from branch to branch, and, with crest slightly erect, walks carefully along a limb, when, suddenly overcome by the music in his soul, he throws fear to the winds and lifts up his voice in a crescendo chant which vibrates through the woods. Teacher, teacher, TEACHER, TEACHER, TEACHER, Mr. Burroughs writes it, and the description is difficult to improve upon. The bird fairly quivers with the violence of his effort. The result seems inadequate; we feel that he is striving for something better, and, in truth, as Mr. Bicknell says, he sometimes breaks the bonds that ordinarily beset his expression, and "bursts forth with a wild outpouring of intricate and melodious song," the very force of which carries him up into the air among the tree tops. 675. Seiurus noveboracensis (Gmel.). WATER-THRUSH. Ad.- Upper parts, wings, and tail uniform olive; no wing-bars or tail-patches; a buffy line over the eye; under parts white, tinged with pale sulphur-yellow, and everywhere-including throat-streaked with black. L., 6.04; W., 2.99; T., 211; B. from N., 36.