TYRANNID.E — THE FLYCATCHERS. 313 



Lieutenant Couch describes the Scissor-tail as shy, but of a very lively 

 disposition. Usually four or more are seen in company, and seem to prefer 

 the thinly wooded prairies to close thickets. In beauty, Lieutenant Couch 

 considers it the queen of all the birds found in Northern Tamaulipas. 

 This superiority is not owing so much' to the brilliancy of its plumage, for 

 in that it is excelled by several species, but to the inimitable grace and 

 charm of its flight. Eising from the topmost branch of some acacia, it 

 seems to float, rather than to fly ; then descending perpendicularly, it retakes 

 its position, uttering its usual note. He did not see it west of the Cadereita. 

 Dr. Kennerly, in his march from the Gulf of Mexico into Western Texas, 

 frequently met with these Flycatchers along his route. He usually saw them 

 in the open prairie, or among the mesquite-bushes. When perched, they 

 were generally on the top of a bush or a tall weed, and their tails were con- 

 stantly in motion. When they darted off after some passing insect, they 

 usually circled around, displaying the singular bifurcation of their tail, but 

 seldom alighting again on the same bush. It was occasionally seen on the 

 open prairie, flying for a long distance near the earth, as if in search of 

 insects. 



In Vera Cruz this species is an inhabitant of the hot lands. A few in- 

 dividuals ascend, though very rarely, to the height of the city of Orizaba, or 

 about 3,700 feet. 



Mr. Nuttall states that he met with this Flycatcher rather common along 

 the banks of the Eed Eiver, near the confluence of tlie Kiamesha. He 

 again met them, even more frequently, near the Great Salt Eiver of Arkansas, 

 in August. They seemed to be preying upon grasshoppers. 



Dr. Woodhouse not only found this species abundant in Texas, in the 

 vicinity of San Antonio, but in the Indian Territory also it was quite com- 

 mon, particularly near the Cross Timbers. He found them breeding in the 

 beginning of the month of July, on the Great Prairie. Its nest was built 

 on the horizontal branch of a small scrub-oak, about six feet from the 

 ground, and was composed of coarse dry grass and sticks. It contained 

 four young birds nearly able to fly. On his approach the female flew from 

 the nest to a bush near by. The male bird flew to a great height above 

 him, circling round in the air, apparently watching his movements, and at 

 the same time uttering a coarse scolding chirp. 



Dr. Gideon Lincecum, of Texas, writes that the Scissor-tail Flycatchers 

 have greatly increased in numbers in that State since 184S. They are 

 severe hunters of insects, and make great havoc among honey-bees. They 

 are exclusively prairie birds. He adds that they construct their nests far out 

 on the top branches of the live-oak or any other lone tree on the j^rairies. 

 They seem to be a very playful bird, and deliglit in shooting rapidly up- 

 wards, cutting the air with their strong wings with such force that the sound 

 may be heard to the distance of three hundred yards or more. Their notes 

 are harsh and inharmonious. They leave Texas late in autumn, and return 



VOL. ir. 40 



