OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. :',;, 



ding to Mr. Allen, being found from May i^th to September 

 i. 7th ; but it has been found by Mr. C. W. Bennett breeding 

 on Mt. Tom. In the Middle States, and also the Southern 

 States as far south as Texas and Florida, it is quite abundant, 

 and even occurs westward to the Missouri River. In the In- 

 dian Territory and in Texas, Dr. Wooclhouse discovered it 

 to be quite common. 



This species manifests a decided predilection for the bor- 

 ders of thickets and waste fields. It shuns rather than courts 

 the society of man. In this particular, it strikingly contrasts 

 with Tyrannus carolincnsis. Though partial to such sit- 

 uations, it cannot be said to be exclusive occupants thereof. 

 On its arrival in the early part of May, most of its time is 

 spent in such retreats ; but as the season for nesting ap- 

 proaches, an occasional pair will often take up its quarters 

 in an orchard, in close proximity to the residence of man. 

 Frequent instances of similar action during the past five 

 years, have come under our observation. That feeling of 

 shyness and distrust which is so characteristic of birds in 

 their natural haunts, is a complete stranger to it Fre- 

 quent intercourse with man for a few generations, and th;it of 

 the most friendly character, has engendered the most happy 

 results. Courage has given place to timidity, and confi- 

 dence to distrust. 



The males are the first to arrive from the South. They 

 precede the females by at least three days, and their coming 

 is unheralded by cry or song. The appearance of solitary 

 individuals, seems to indicate that the long journey 

 is accomplished singly, and not in small flocks ; although 

 it is highly probable that a few individuals may jour- 

 ney together, and, subsequently, disperse. But it is a ver- 

 itable fact that during no time of its short stay with us, is the 

 species gregarious in the strict sense of the term. Unlike the 

 Kingbird, this species is not prone to attack birds larger than 

 itself, but it is harsh and vindictive to smaller birds, and even 

 to impotent individuals of its own species. 



