22 TYRANNID^ : FLYCATCHERS. 



recognized by its singular notes — one a harsh, explosive 

 outcry of one syllable, pitched in a high key, and others 

 sounded in guttural tone two or three times — all sug- 

 gestive of the bird's irritable and impulsive nature. 

 It keeps for the most part high up among the trees, 

 where it may be observed perched on the end of a dead 

 branch in the attitude so characteristic of its tribe — 

 with drooping or swaying tail and listless air — to be ex- 

 changed in an instant, however, for quick and spirited 

 action, should anything excite its attention, or provoke 

 its anger. It is an extremely pugnacious bird, and the 

 combats of the males in the breeding season are almost 

 incessant. Its forays for passing insects are executed 

 with great verve and adroitness, and at other times the 

 bird may be seen dashing at a high rate of speed through 

 the tree-tops. Under any excitement the crest is erected, 

 and the wings are held quivering in readiness for instant 

 action. 



Our Flycatchers are without exception distinguished 

 by some peculiarity of nidification, and the nesting of the 

 present species is in a manner quite its own. It builds 

 in the hollows of trees, and the cast skins of snakes are 

 almost invariably found among the materials which com- 

 pose the nest. Post-holes, and even artificial retreats, 

 such as Blue-bird or Martin boxes, are sometimes occu- 

 pied. The eggs, four or five in number, measuring about 

 0.85 by 0.62, are unique in pattern of coloration, of which 

 it is difficult to give an adequate description. Upon a 

 buff or rich clay-colored ground are drawn lengthwise 

 numberless markings of dark purplish-chestnut, or pur- 

 plish-chocolate, mixed with others of a paler and more 

 lilaceous tint — these markings being mostly of a peculiar 

 sharp, scratchy character, as if done with a fine pen. At 



