MUSCICAP1D.E. 



SUB-FAMILY V. 

 MusciCAPix.E. Tlie Flycatchers Proper. 



Gex. Charac. — Bill moderate, broad at the base and narrowing to the tip, 

 which is emarginated ; the culmen more or less depressed and curved 

 at the end ; the goujs usuallj' long and ascending, and the gape furnished 

 with bristles ; the wings generally long, and more or less pointed ; the tarsi 

 usually short and slender, and the toes short, with the outer toe longer than 

 the inner one, the hind toe prominent ; and the claws moderate, compressed, 

 and acute. 



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Fig, 71.— the spotted flycatcher. 

 {Muscicapa grisola.) 



The true Flycatchers are found in most parts of 

 the Old Continent. They appear in the temperate 

 regions during the winter_, and retire to the colder 

 climates during the summer, mostly frequenting 

 wooded districts, cultivated grounds, gardens, and 

 orchards. Their food consists entirely of insects, 

 which they watch for, seated on a decaying bough 

 or post, and catch on the wing, when they approach 

 within a certain distance. The nest is formed in 

 the forks of branches, or in the holes of trees. It is 



