These observations on the flexibility of myrtle warblers can be extended by including observations made on their. wintering grounds in the United States. It is well known (Pettingill 1951) that myrtles winter in the northeast wherever there are extensive patches of bayherry ( Myrica pensylvanica). Montauk Point on Long Island, which is such a place, was visited on January 26, 1957. Here myrtles were the commonest
bird in the habitat in which the bayberry is abundant. The myrtles were moving about in
flocks, frequently, as in the summer, making long flights. They fed principally while hopping upon the fallen leaves under bayberries. (There was no snow.) This behavior was very similar to that observed in the summer while they were catching
emerging crane flies. Some were feeding upon the "wax" coat of the berries which is readily digestible and contains nodules which are rich
sources of proteins and carbohydrates (Hausman 1927).