Birds and Nature Vol. 10 No. 5 [December 1901]Various
History
Birds and Nature Vol. 10 No. 5 [December 1901]
Various
Birds -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals
This pert and trim little bird is known by other suggestive names.
Because of the character of its nest it is called the “little green
hanging bird.” Its song, as translated by boys, has given it the name
“chickty-bearer,” or “chickity.” Except when nesting this vireo is
unsuspecting and will permit a near approach. Dr. Brewer says that “when
whistled to it will often stop and eye you with marked curiosity, and
even approach a little nearer, as if to obtain a better view, entirely
unconscious of any danger.” Impertinent at all times, they are
especially so when the nest is approached. At such times it exhibits
great uneasiness, and even its expressive eyes seem to flash.
Continually scolding the intruder, it utters “a hoarse mewing that is
very peculiar.”
[Illustration: WHITE-EYED VIREO.
(Vireo noveboracensis.)
About Life-size.
FROM COL. F. M. WOODRUFF.]
The nest of the White-eyed Vireo is a beautiful structure. It is
artistic, durable and a wonderfully pretty home for its beautiful
architect. It is seldom placed higher than five feet from the ground.
Dr. Brewer thus describes one of these nests. It was “composed of a
singular medley of various materials, among which may be noticed broken
fragments of dry leaves, bits of decayed wood and bark, coarse blades of
grass, various fibers, lichens, fragments of insects, mosses, straws,
stems, etc. These were all wrapped round and firmly bound together with
strong hempen fibers of vegetables. Within this outer envelope was an
inner nest, made of the finer stems of grasses and dry needles of the
white pine, firmly interwoven.” There are usually either three or four
eggs, which are white and speckled at the larger end, with black or some
shade of brown.
Mr. Chapman says: “I have always regretted that the manners of this
vireo have been a bar to our better acquaintance, for he is a bird of
marked character and with unusual vocal talents. He is a capital mimic,
and in the retirement of his home sometimes amuses himself by combining
the songs of other birds in an intricate potpourri.”
TO A WHITE-EYED VIREO.
Up there among the maple’s leaves,
One morning bright in May,
A tiny bird I chanced to spy,
And plainly heard him say:
“Sweet, who-are-you?”
“Dost call to me, in words so fair,
O little friend?” I cried;
“Or to some feathered dame up there?”
For answer he replied:
“Sweet, do you hear?”
O yes, I hear you, little bird,
All clad in leafy hue;
And I in turn, would like to ask
The question, “Who are _you_?”
But you might deem the question vain,
And bid me note your size;
The shading of your dainty coat;
The color of your eyes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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