OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 39 



found it quite abundant in the mountains of Orizaba, between 

 the altitudes of 3,600 and 7, 500 feet. 



The Wood Pewee is rather common in Eastern Pennsyl- 

 vania during the breeding-season, arriving about the last of 

 April, never earlier. On its arrival it frequents high-timbered 

 woods, where there is a paucity of undergrowth, but an 

 abundance of dead branches. In very rare instances, indi- 

 viduals have forsaken these shady retreats for the com- 

 panionship of man. In sequestered situations, there are 

 lacking that friendliness and confidence which the species is 

 wont to manifest in places contiguous to human habitations. 

 Timidity and a marked feeling of distrust are prevailing traits 

 in these localities. 



Like all its family-relations, this species is quite an expert 

 insect-catcher. It is remarkable for the ease with which it 

 can perceive its prey, however small, at a great distance. 

 In the dusk of evening, or in the uncertain gloom of dense 

 woods, it plies its task with unerring precision and unfailing 

 results. It stations itself upon the extremity of a dead twig, 

 and on the appearance of an insect, darts forth with all pos- 

 sible speed, seldom missing its mark which is evidenced by 

 the sharp click of its bill, seizes its prey, and then returns 

 to its favorite perch to resume operations when the occasion 

 occurs. It is no uncommon thing for it to encounter several 

 insects in its short flight, which it seizes with great eager- 

 ness, producing all the while the same sharp clicking sound. 

 When on the look-out, it occasionally utters a feeble twitter, 

 which is accompanied by a quivering movement of the wings 

 and tail. On these occasions a louder but still feeble call- 

 note is enunciated, though rarely, which sounds like pee-e, 

 and sometimes like pee-u-e. These notes are heard daily 

 during the entire season, but always cease when it becomes 

 dark. 



This species possesses several notes besides those enum- 

 erated, which are uttered in a plaintive and somewhat drawl- 

 ing tone. Some of these notes are seldom heard, but then 



