PHCEBE. 415 



Kingbird that but for its superior size and note it might be 

 mistaken for that species. 



These birds flutter while flying, and sometimes during the 

 breeding season the pair, crossing each other's path, rise in 

 spiral evolutions, loudly twittering as they ascend. When 

 interrupted, alarmed by pursuit, or in quest of insects, they 

 dart off with great velocity. If a large bird, as a Heron or 

 Crow, or indeed any intruder, pass near their station, they 

 immediately pursue it, and that often to a considerable dis- 

 tance. At the same time they appear careless of the approach 

 of man except when the nest is invaded, when they fly about 

 in great anger, snapping their bills and loudly chattering ; but 

 when relieved from their unwelcome visitors, they return to 

 their stand with notes of exultation. 



Nuttall, following Audubon, named this species the Pipiry Fly- 

 catcher. It is abundant in the West Indies and occurs in parts of 

 Florida and along the coast to South Carolina. Examples have 

 been taken on Long Island, and at Lynn, in Massachusetts. 



It winters in the tropics. 



PHCEBE. 



PEWEE. PEWIT. 

 Sayornis PHGEBE. 



Char. Upper parts dull olive brown, darker on head ; under parts 

 whitish, changing to pale yellow on belly, and brownish on flanks ; wings 

 and tail dusky, outer tail feathers and wing bar wliitish ; white ring 

 around the eyes ; bill and feet black. Head with inconspicuous crest. 

 Length 6^ to 7 inches. 



Nest. Attached to the under-side of a bridge, or to a rock, or the side 

 of a cave ; of twigs, roots, and moss, cemented with mud, lined with grass 

 and feathers. 



Eggs. 4-5; white, sometimes speckled with pale brown ; 0.80 X 0.55. 



This familiar species inhabits the continent of North Amer- 

 ica from Canada and Labrador to Texas, retiring from the 

 Northern and Middle States at the approach of winter. How 



