BIRDS OF CUBA 99 



179. Tolmarchus caudifasciatus (d'Orbigny). 



A common and conspicuous denizen of hedgerow, field and farm, 

 showing preference for well-cleared lands. Less brave than its near allies, 

 still it bullies and pesters little birds, and hurries off with loud cries after 

 every Siju which may appear. 



It is another of the residents with which the casual visitor may readily 

 acquaint himself. 



180. Myiarchus sagrae sagrae (Gundlach). 



BOBITO. 



Well named the Little Fool, for a more sluggish and more inane-appear- 

 ing little bird could not be imagined. The Bobito has no song, but sits about 

 all day long, tail adroop, head pulled down and feathers fluffed, musing 

 out the slow hot hours. Occasionally some insect flying handy by, reminds 

 it that it must eat to live, and for a second it is all vivacity; but its prey 

 once swallowed and its perch resumed, it lapses once more into revery. 



The nest is usually in a hollow limb or bamboo stalk; and while 

 Bobitos are very common in all retired, shady coppices, their nests are 

 seldom seen. The bird in the field is more sluggish and smaller than our 

 Great Crested Flycatcher. 



181. Myiarchus crinitus crinitus (Linne). 

 Great Crested Flycatcher. 



Only twice observed by Gundlach, once under most extraordinary 

 circumstances. After once collecting the Great Crested Flycatcher at 

 Cojimar, he later heard the same species near La Fermina at Bemba. 

 Indeed the peculiar and unfamiliar call engaged Gundlach's attention for 

 several days, then the bird disappeared. The following year, on exactly the 

 same date, the same note was heard, but this time the bird was located 

 and collected. Was it the same individual.'' 



