292 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
shy, and at first allowed me a very near approach), as he flew 
from his perch into the air, and, in the manner of the true fly- 
catchers, caught the smaller insects, showing great dexterity 
during his aerial excursions, which were all short, so far as I 
observed. He returned each time to his former perch or to 
one near it, and then occasionally flirted his tail, in the manner 
of the Pewee, but with much less energy. Finally, either by 
an accidental sound I frightened him, or he cared no longer to 
stay, for he flew away to one of the higher branches of a neigh- 
boring oak, and so from tree to tree, until lost to sight. I 
suppose this Pygmy Flycatcher to have been a migrant, pass- 
ing through on his way to the northward with various other 
small birds, who were abundant at the time. 
Either owing to its great rarity, or its general likeness to 
other species (especially the Least Pewee), this species, if in- 
deed genuine, has hitherto escaped the notice of our natural- 
ists; but it is hoped that, now being on their guard, these 
gentlemen will succeed in obtaining specimens, or that I myself 
may do so, for, on first meeting it, I had no gun. That this 
bird was a partially albino Least Pewee (H. minimus) seems 
wholly improbable. Even its, general appearance and habits 
seemed distinct from those of that bird. I think, moreover, 
that I should have discovered a Least Pewee there earlier in 
the season, having been there every day previously, and the 
Least Pewees having arrived several days before; for, as is 
well known, these birds usually frequent their haunts pretty 
persistently ; finally, I have not seen my bird since. This 
matter must be left to the consideration of the public, until 
more satisfactory evidence can be produced. 
