I'lKEBE. 261 



Xust, in IidIIiiu <>t liecx, sometimes in tlie deserted hole of a woodpecker, 

 composed of straw, leaves, rootlets and other vegetable materials, lined with 

 feathers ; al)oiit the edge are always to he found pieces of the cast-off skins of 

 snakes. 



Eggs, four oi- Hve, light Imtly-hrow ii, sti'eaked lengtliwise l)y lines and 

 markings of ])in|)lish ;ind darker 1)rii\\ n. 



This species is a regular summer resident along the southern 

 frontier, where it arrives early in Ma}^, and soon makes its presence 

 kn(»wn hy the loud note of warning which is heard among the tree 

 tops long before the bird is visible. 



Dr. Wheaton, in his " Birds of Ohio," states tliat this species is 

 ^■ery numerous near Columbus, where the country being well cleared 

 and the usual breeding 2:)laces difficult to find, the ])irds have taken 

 to the use of boxes put up for IjJuebirds and martins, and have 

 been observ^ed to dispossess the legitimate owners. It has also 

 been noticed that the snake skins are left out, when the nests are 

 in boxes. 



This Flycatcher is found sparingly in Manitolia and the North- 

 AVest; farther south, it is more common. Its food consists of insects, 

 while these are obtainable ; but in the fall, before leaving, it readily 

 takes grapes and other berries. 



It is the largest of the fl3'^catchers which visit us, and it shows 

 to great advantage in the woods in spring, when its clear colors 

 hannonize with the opening leaves. 



Maiiy spend the winter in Mexico. 



Genus 8AYOKNT8 Bonapakti;. 

 SAYORNTS PHCEBE (Lath.). 



187. Phoebe. (■ir)6) 



I)idl olivaoeous-hrown ; the head much darker fuscous-hi-own, almost 

 Ijlackish, usually in marked contrast with the back ; below, soiled whitish, or 

 palest possible yellow, particularly on the bell}- ; tlie sides and the breast, 

 nearly or quite across shaded with grayish-brown ; wings and tail, dusky ; 

 the outer tail feather, inner secondaries and usually the wing coverts, edged 

 with whitish ; a whitish ling around the eye ; bill and feet, black, varies 

 greatly in shade. The foregoing is the average spring condition. As tlie 

 summer passes, the plumage becomes much duller and darker brown from 

 wearing of the feathers, and then, after the moidt, fall specimens are much 

 brighter than in spring, the under parts being frequently decidedly yellow. 



