96 POPULAR TYRANTS 



behind him, and the snap of his bill can be distinctly 

 heard as it closes on an unsuspecting Eel Fly. Sec 

 how happily he completes the circle, and how 

 leisurely he returns to his conspicuous perch ! 



The Great Crested Fly-catcher is larger than the 

 Kingbird and of lighter colouring, showing, when 

 hurrying through the naked branches of the tallest 

 trees in spring, a blending of light brown, grey, and 

 pale yellow. His crest is a conspicuous mark, and 

 his whistled call, repeated at intervals, is loud and 

 penetrating. It suggests a Robin trying his voice. 

 Now he is silent. It is a rare experience to see him 

 in the summer woods. The Olive-sided Fly-catcher 

 is similarly decked in summer tints, but is smaller 

 than the Kingbird and more retiring in disposition. 



Every one knows our little Phoebe, the pet of the 

 family. Her colours are of the plainest, but she 

 chooses the naked limbs in orchards and shade trees, 

 and the most conspicuous posts by the roadside, her 

 free confidence winning many friends. The Wood 

 Pee-wee prefers more secluded places, and can be 

 known by her pale yellow breast and high, thin, 

 plaintive notes. The Chebec is the smallest member 

 of the family, and she pronounces her name so 

 distinctly that she seems vain of it. Her pale breast 

 and white wing bars are points of distinction. She 

 sustains the family dignity in her upright poise and 

 conspicuous crests and is true to its traditions in her 



