302 LAND-BIRDS. 



the latter, that seemed to be at least two inches longer, if not 

 more. On the other hand, I did not observe in E. pygmceus 

 the huffish suffusion, and yellow lower mandible, said to be 

 the characteristics of Mitrephorus fulvifrons var.pallescens,* 

 a bird of the same size, but belonging to a Mexican genus 

 (though first called by Dr. Coues " Empidonax pygmceus^ 

 Buff-breasted Flycatcher," when obtained by him at Fort 

 Whipple, Arizona). It hardly seems possible that the Buff- 

 breasted Flycatcher should have strayed to Massachusetts, 

 though similar instances of wandering have occurred before 

 among birds. I feel quite confident that the bird in question 

 is a new species, probably belonging to the genus Empidonax^ 

 though possibly to Mitrephorus, or even to a new genus (to 

 be called Muscaccipiter). After trying to identify my bird, 

 and having hurriedly, and yet with as much care as possible, 

 endeavored to learn all the details of his coloration, I pro- 

 ceeded to study his habits. 



For about three minutes I watched him (for he was not 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 man- 

 ner 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 neighboring oak, and so from tree to tree, until lost to 

 sight. I suppose this Pygmy Flycatcher to have been a mi- 

 grant, passing 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 



* = Empidonax fulvifrons pygmceus. W. B. 



