132 



FL YCA TCHERS. 



sobriquet of Mountain Dick. Though more frequently seen at a considerable 

 elevation from the sea, we occasionally meet with these birds in the lowlands ; 

 they are, however, rather recluse, affecting woods and lonely places. Here, as 

 they hop from one twig to another, or sit hidden in the foliage of a thick tree, 

 they utter a rapid and not unmusical succession of notes, as if attempting to 

 compress them all into one. The notes are occasionally poured forth in the 

 air, as the bird flits from tree to tree, but are very frequently heard from the 

 male and female alternately, seated on two trees, perhaps on opposite sides of 



i4i^^' 



-The White-balkeu 



( fityra ieucotwtus). 



the road, thus : the Mountain Dick calls, and the Judy immediately answers; 

 then a little pause — another call from Mountain Dick, and an instant answer 

 from Judy, until, after a succession of such salutations, the Judy gallantly yields 

 the point, and flies over to the other tree to join his friend. This species is 

 fierce and bold in self-defence. When shot, and but slightly wounded, it would 

 make vigorous eff"orts to escape by running; but on being taken in the hand 

 and held by the legs, it would elevate the crown-feathers, turn the head up, 

 and bite fiercely at the fingers, pinching the flesh with all its force, striving at 

 the same time to clutch with its claws, and screaming vociferously. It does 

 not appear to pursue other birds, after the manner of the true tyrants, nor 

 capture insects in the air, notwithstanding that the gape is defended by stiff 

 bristles. Stationary' insects are usually found among the contents of its stomach, 

 particularly field-bugs {Pentatoma), caterpillars, and sometimes the eggs of 



