370 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



migration. Dr. Woodhouse found it very common both in Texas and in 

 the Indian Territory. Mr. Dresser found it common during the summer 

 season near San Antonio, and to the eastward, breeding there, and building a 

 small hanging nest. He also had its eggs sent to him from Systerdale. The 

 stomach of the specimen he procured contained minute insects. It is men- 

 tioned by Dr. E. Coues as found in South Carolina, but whether as a migrant 

 or as a resident is not stated. Dr. William P. TurnbuU refers to it as rare near 

 Philadelphia, and as only a spring and autumnal migrant. Mr. Mcllwraith 

 cites it as a rare summer visitant near Hamilton, Canada West. It is 

 mentioned by Mr. Boardman as found near Calais, but has not been recorded 

 as occurring in Nova Scotia, as far as I am aware. In Western Maine, Pro- 

 fessor Verrill found it a regular but not a common summer visitant, arriving 

 there the third week in May. And Mr. Brewster found it breeding in con- 

 siderable abundance near Lake Umbagog in the summer of 1872. 



In Massachusetts it has been found to occur very irregularly, and so far 

 chiefly as a migrant, at least I am not aware that it has been known, ex- 

 cept in a single instance, to breed within the limits of that State. It passes 

 through the State about the middle of May, is rare some seasons, much more 

 abundant for a few days in others. Near Springfield Mr. Allen regarded it 

 as a rather rare summer visitant, arriving from the 10th to the 15th of May, 

 and also mentioned it as probably breeding. A number have been taken in 

 Lynn by Mr. Welch, but none have been observed to remain more than 

 a day or two. Mr. Maynard once met with it on the 1st of June, 1869, in 

 a swampy thicket. It was very shy, and he heard no note. 



This species was observed by Mr. Paine, at Ptandolph, Vt., where it was 

 found to be a not uncommon, though very retiring and shy species. It 

 was found frequenting shady thickets, on the borders of the mountain 

 streams, and several of its nests were procured. The bird was thoroughly 

 identified, specimens of the parents having been sent to Professor Baird for 

 verification. Mr. Paine was not able to obtain much insight into the man- 

 ners and habits of this species, on account of its shyness. The nests were 

 always placed in low alder-bushes, near running streams, and not more than 

 three or four feet from the ground. 



Mr. Paine has since informed me that Traill's Flycatcher reaches Central 

 Vermont from the 20th to the 25th of May, and is one of the last birds to 

 arrive, coming in company with Cotitopus virens and G. horealis. They all 

 leave before the close of September. Mr. Paine has met with a great many 

 nests of this species, but has only found one containing more than three 

 eggs. It has a very simple song, consisting of but two notes. It has also a 

 sort of twitter as it plays with its mate. They are usually found in thickets, 

 for the most part near water, but not always, and are never seen in tall 

 woods. They are occasionally seen chasing one another in the open fields. 



Mr. William Brewster informs me that he found Traill's Flycatcher mod- 

 erately common and breeding at the foot of Mount Washington, in the Glen, 



