( 40) 



ther. Many suppose it adopts this quiet attitude for the pur- 

 |)ose of attracting passing insects, they mistaking the bright ver-' 

 rnilion patch on the crown for a blossom, and in their eagerness to 

 partake of the supposed nectar, the fatal error is not discovered un- 

 til within reach of the beguiler's grasp. From the activity which 

 we have seen it display when in pursuit of prey, we are inclined 

 to the opinion that it is capable of supplying its wants without re- 

 sorting to such stratagem. The King Bird seems particularly fond 

 of bees, and provokes the farmer by the frequent visit it pays to the 

 hive. Although not possessing musical talent, its bold, courageous 

 bearing has rendered it noticeable. It is often seen amusing itself 

 by attacking hawks and crows ; and by its activity when on the 

 wing, it manages to soar above the object of its sport, pouncing 

 every few seconds on its quarry, until it becomes exhausted in the 

 attack, when it retires to a convenient situation, uttering a shrill, 

 triumphant twitter. 



MUSCICAPA ACADICA— GMEL. 



SMALL GREEN-CRESTED FLYCA.TCHER. 



Small Green crested Flycatcher, Muscicapa querula, Wils. Amer. Orn. 



Small Pewee, Null. Man. 



Muscicapa acadica, Bonap. Syn. 



Small Green-cresled Flycatcher, Muscicapa acadica, Aud. Orn. Biog. 



Specific Character — Bill broad^ the bands on the wings dull yel- 

 low ; upper plumage dull greenish-olive. Adult with the upper 

 parts deep greenish-olive ; wings dark brown, the outer webs of 

 the secondaries margined with pale yellowish-white, secondary 

 and first row of smaller wing-coverts tipped with the same, form- 

 ing two distinct bars on the wings; tail plain brown, the feathers 

 margined externally with greenish ; lower parts pale yellow, tin- 

 ged with green ; eye encircled with yellowish-white. Length five 

 inches and a half, wing two and a half. 



This species of Flycatcher is seldom seen except by those who 

 are fond of strolling in the most secluded parts of the woods. In 

 its habits it is solitary — generally seen on the lower branches of 

 the largest trees — utters a quick, sharp note — arrives among us in 

 the latter part of May, and retires southward early in September. 



