340 



*LaniuS Ludovicianus, Linn.? 



I much doubt whether the north-western and southern loggerhead arc the same. 

 Our bird is smaller than the sonthei n, as described in the ornithological works, the 

 adult male measuring 8 '4 to 12'4; female 8,' 4 to IOJ4. The nest and eggs, too, 

 differ materially from Bachnian's description, as quoted by Nuttall, of those of the 

 southern species. 'Ihe Wisconsin bird constructs a compact nest, placed on the 

 lower branches of a small tree. It is composed externally of small sticks and rools, 

 filled in with strips of bark and the lint of various species of plants, and is amply 

 lined with feathers, which almost conceal the six spotted eggs. 



The male assists in incubation, which is completed in fourteen days. 



I once shot a female just as the pair had conmienced building. '1 he male went 

 on and completed the nestt, even to the soft lining of feathers, then took his stand 

 on the topmost branch of the same tree, and continued watcLing almost constantly 

 for three days, apparently awaiting the return of his mate. At the end of that time 

 I missed him, and supposed ho had abandoned the spot; but the second day after- 

 wards he returned with a new bride, who appeared well satisfied with the waiting 

 nest, and commenced laying immediately. 



They return to a particular tree to nest every year. This attachment is so great, 

 that when the nest is destroyed, even after they commence mcubation. they not un- 

 frequently construct another on the same tree. Mice, young birds and large insects 

 compose their fare. 



Numerous on the border of the prairies. Ai-rive 1st of April ; depart in October. 



Lanius Excubitoroides, Swains. 



I shot a pair of birds of this species in March last (1853.) The female is faintly 

 marked on the breast with pale brown undulating lines. This is undoubtedly a 

 distinct species. 



MUSCICAPID.E, (14 species.) 



*TrRANNUs Intrepidus, Vieill. King Bird. 

 Common. 



*Tyrannus CniNiTuSjLinn. Great Crested King Bird. 



Not so common as the preceding. Inhabits the dark swampy woods, where the 

 havshsqucak of this species is frequently heard. 



*TrRANNULA Fusca, Gmcl. Dusky Fly-catcher. 

 This familiar pewee is met with everywhere. 



*TyRANNULA ViRENS, Linn. Wood Pewee. 

 Common in the deep s^olitary woods. 



Tyrannula Phcebe, Lath. Phcebe Bird. 



I shot two individuals of this species May 10th, 1848. Probably not very rare, but 

 impossible to distinguish it from the T. fusea without carefully com])aring the 

 two. 



*Tyrannula Acadica, GmeL Green-crested Fly-catcher. 

 The most numerous of the fly-catchers in Wisconsin. 



Tyrannula Pusilla, Swains. 



This species, so closely allied to the preceding, is not nnfrequently met with about 

 the lOth af May, on its passage north. 



