OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. ;>"> 



men having been shot there August 2o,th. 1840, which sub- 

 sequently found its way to Copenhagen. 



In Eastern Pennsylvania, this species usually arrives about 

 the first of May, and remains from ten to twelve davs, when 

 it retires to more northern habitats for the purposes of 

 breeding. During its short stay, it is a solitary feeder, and 

 confines its foraging mainly to high open woods ; it is 

 only occasionally seen remote from such situations. Its hab- 

 its resemble those of our ordinary Wood Pewee in many 

 particulars. Whilst perching upon a rotten twig, on the 

 alert for insects, its silence is occasionally broken bv notes 

 which resemble / ///. Unlike the subject of the preceding- 

 sketch, it betrays considerable fear when approached In- 

 human beings. 



The flight of this species is never lofty, nor remarkably 

 protracted. Its movements, whilst engaged in the capture 

 of insects, are very quick, and bear a close resemblance to 

 those of Contopns -circus. From its station upon a dead 

 branch, it will dart forward with unerring precision when 

 it espies an insect, (seldom missing its prey), and, having 

 secured it, will return to its post. When insect-life is very 

 abundant, it will make repeated captures before resuming its 

 watch. 



Mr. Nuttall details with considerable minuteness, the 

 habits of a couple of individuals of this species, which came 

 under his immediate observation. lie says they were quar- 

 relsome and tyrannical towards each other. Their assaults 

 were accompanied by a whining, complaining twitter, and 

 seemed to arise from disputes about territorial possession. 

 One of these birds, a female, apparently confined her foraging 

 to a clump of red cedars which grew in the midst of a sandy 

 patch of woods. From the tree-tops, she maintained a sharp 

 watch for flitting insects, which she pursued with determined 

 vigor, even chasing them to the ground. When successful, 

 she would return to her favorite perch, and devour the victim 

 at her leisure. She would now flutter her win<rs and tail, 



