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Worm-eating Warbler
Adult--Buff line through centre of crown and above the eye, black lines on either side of crown and back of eye; upper parts greenish buff; under parts buff. Length--5.51.
Breeding Range--Eastern States, from southern New England southward.
The nest is composed of leaves, weed stems, strips of bark, lined with fine roots and occasionally hair; it is placed on the ground at the foot of a tree, under a log or in a slight depression or hole in a bank. Usually it is in hilly woodland, but sometimes a more open place is chosen. The eggs, 3 to 5 in number, are white or pinkish white, with fine spots of cinnamon and purplish brown, chiefly at the larger end. Size--.72 x .58.
Should you happen to venture at all near to the nest of the Worm-eating Warbler, she will tell you of its proximity by falling on the ground with seemingly broken wings, and apparently on the verge of death from some unknown cause; she will even roll over and over down the side of a hill while in this condition, in the hope of luring you away from her home, which is usually concealed with the utmost care. When on the nest the parent bird will almost allow herself to be caught, so close does she sit. As a rule, these warblers live and feed on or very near the ground, most frequently in damp woods or thickets, but I have seen them creeping along the overhanging branches somewhat after the manner of the black-and-white creeper. I do not, however, think this is a common habit, as I have seldom seen it done. The nesting season commences towards the end of May in the vicinity of New York.