Vol. XV 11 1 



igoi 



n Farley, The Alder Flycatcher in jMannchiisetts. 349 



within liis tliicket and but a few feet from tlie ground. It should 

 be further noted that the Alder Flycatcher is most in evidence 

 during the days following its arrival from the South, and before 

 the breeding season is well advanced. In May and June one may 

 be now and then seen flying about freely from tree-top to tree-top in 

 its home meadow. The Alder Flycatcher in eastern Massachu- 

 setts is no shyer than most other small birds. It is scarcely 

 shyer than the Least Flycatcher, although a more restless bird 

 than its orchard-loving cousin. The Alder Flycatcher does not 

 hesitate to fly about from one bosky clump to another in its mea- 

 dow. But when arrived at the concealing growth, it may remain 

 a long time therein before venturing forth again. 



The familiar cry, or song, of the Alder Flycatcher is usually 

 described as having two or more syllables ; and this indeed is the 

 effect produced upon the ear of the listener at a distance of fifty 

 yards, or even less, from the bird. But, as is the case with some 

 other bird utterances, a wrong apprehension is gained of the pecu- 

 liar note, unless it be heard close at hand. As ordinarily heard 

 it may be written r/ii-b/iee, or even rhi-bhca, the second syllable 

 being much emphasized. But when the bird calls within a few 

 feet of the listener, this song is found in reality to consist of but 

 one harsh explosive syllable. Of an indescribable timbre, it may 

 be written' r-r-r/iee (or perhaps r-r-rhea^ but with the final a in 

 this case very slightly touched upon). 



The minor notes of the Alder Flycatcher, like its harsh cry, 

 are perfectly characteristic and unlike the notes of any other 

 bird. They are of two sorts, the common \o\\ pip or pep, which 

 to some ears may more resemble peep, and the softly whistled 

 whisper (or whispered wXyv-XX^), pip-whee or pip-iuhing. There is 

 an interval between the two syllables of this soft song, and the 

 last is accented. Its peculiar softness may be perhaps better 

 expressed by wheco rather than by ichee ox even to/iitig. Although 

 among the softest of bird utterances this song, when closely 

 analyzed, will be found to be essentially a much subdued variant 

 of the loud, harsh r-r-rhee, being similar in kind but exceedingly 

 less in degree. Both the pips (peps) and the pip-{pep-)whees are 

 sometimes uttered a half-dozen or more times in rapid succession. 

 When quarreling with another bird, the Alder Flycatcher pro- 



