50 



AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY. 



vantage, and he sits so erect it 

 really seems as though he were 

 about to fall backward as he gives 

 voice to his peculiar cackle. 



Like most human bullies, this 

 bird is at heart a coward, and the 

 least show of resistance will send 

 him back to his lookout with the 

 meekest air imaginable. 



That the snake-skin which is 

 placed in their nest is not put there 

 by chance, is shown by the fact 

 that it is found in about three- 

 quarters of the nests of this bird. 

 This habit is also followed by sev- 

 eral other birds, although to a less 

 extent. The only explanation that 

 .can be advanced for this habit is 

 that it may afford some protection 

 from squirrels, jays and crows. 



who, having a great liking for 

 eggs, may imagine that a snake is 

 coiled up in the nest and leave it 

 alone. 



The Legend of **Myia.r- 

 chus Crinitus." 



Who has not heard the loud 

 voice and emphatic notes of the 

 king fly-catcher of the forest.? 

 Perhaps you were familiar with his 

 song many years before you were 

 able to name this ever-present 

 companion of your boyhood fishing 

 excursions. It is he who mounts 

 that tall, dead tree growing by 

 the water's edge, and unhesita- 

 tingly announces to the world that 

 he is "lord of the woodlands." He 

 launches himself into the air, and 

 snapping up some unfortunate in- 

 sect, immediately returns to his 

 lofty perch. 



NEST AND EGGS OF CRESTED FLY-CATCHER. 



