OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 4:5 



cies derives its appellation, a low twittering song is uttered 

 by the male, while the love-season lasts, with a view to enter- 

 tain his mate, and only in the presence of the latter. 



The flight of this species is truly remarkable. It consists 

 of a soaring movement alternating with a series of light 

 fluttering movements, and is marked with greater rapidity 

 when in pursuit of prey, than ordinarily. When in motion, 

 as on the lookout for insects, its crest is generally erected. 



For at least a fortnight after its arrival, this Pewee leads 

 a solitary existence. Its chief concern seems to be the grat- 

 ification of a most ravenous appetite. Indeed, the scarcity 

 of suitable insects at this early period, would necessarily 

 preclude the assumption of matrimonial relations ; besides, 

 the serious detriment which would result to the young if 

 bred so early, the male-bird, who is often compelled to eke 

 out a precarious existence when the season is unusually back- 

 ward, would find his powers greatly overtaxed to obtain suffi- 

 cient food for both himself and mate during the critical period 

 of incubation. When insect-life becomes more plentiful with 

 increased temperature, the sexes come together, and mating 

 is accomplished. This happens in favorable seasons about 

 the middle of April ; but, when the weather is very inclement, 

 the sexes seem loath to associate. 



Shortly after pairing, but little time is wasted in the prelim- 

 inaries of place-hunting. With young birds, this ma}' be other- 

 wise ; but with those that are old, it is unnecessary, as the latter 

 entertain the strongest feelings of attachment for accus- 

 tomed haunts. The places selected for nidification, are as 

 numerous as they are curious, and exercise a marked influence 

 upon the character of the nest. Wilson speaks of the nests 

 as being found in caves, and sometimes among the intersti- 

 ces of the side-walls of uncovered wells, at a depths varying 

 from five to six feet. Nuttall has known these birds to nid- 

 ificate in an unoccupied kitchen ; and, in one instance, in a 

 boathouse. at Fresh Pond, Cambridge. Dr. Brewer has 

 known them to build under bridges, projecting rocks, and 



