FAMILY TYRANNIDAE 



437 



namon-bufif to pale yellowish white ; inner edge of wing feathers white 

 to buff. 



These birds are tree dwellers found widely through the Tropical 

 Zone, ranging less commonly over the lower subtropical mountain 

 slopes. While primarily found hidden in the tree crown, they come 

 regularly lower down, and then may be seen. They are frequent in 

 the trees along streams, and as the species seems adaptable may be 

 found in second growth, and also along lines of trees bordering 

 marshlands or streams that cross open country, like those that 

 meander through the savanna lands on the Pacific slope. Their 



Figure 40. — Bright-rumped attila, pajaro griton, Attila spadiccus. 



presence is known most often by their strongly accented, steadily 

 repeated calls, sounds that carry for some distance. Country in- 

 habitants familiar with them recognize them as the pajaro griton 

 from these notes, though to many the bird remains merely a voice. 

 Dr. Frank M. Chapman, on Barro Colorado Island, wrote these notes 

 appropriately as "beat-it, beat-it, no-o-w," uttered slowly, with 

 each syllable strongly accented. Both male and female call, though it 

 has been my impression that the male is the more vociferous. Often 

 the birds are silent for long periods, when their presence may remain 

 unknown. Or, one may repeat the notes once or twice and then re- 

 main silent, without movement, hidden in its cover of leaves. When 

 by chance the bird is seen, usually it is resting quietly on its perch. 



