459. Nuttalornis borealis. 7 1/2 inches.

These birds can scarcely be called common anywhere, but single pairs of them may be found, in their breeding range, in suitable pieces of woodland. I have always found them in dead pine swamps, where the trees were covered with hanging moss, making it very difficult to locate their small nests. Their peculiar, loud, clear whistle can be heard for a long distance and serves as a guide-board to their location.

Note. - A loud, clear whistle, "whip-wheeu," the first syllable short and sharp, the last long and drawn out into a plaintive ending.

Nest. - A small structure for the size of the bird, made of twigs and mosses firmly anchored to horizontal limbs or forks. Three to five eggs are laid; a rich creamy ground, spotted about the large end with brown and lavender (.85 x .65).

Range. - N. A., breeding from the latitude of Massachusetts, and farther south in mountainous regions, north to Labrador and Alaska.