316 THE KING-BIRD. 



the eye hazel. The female differs in being more brownish 

 on the upper parts, has a smaller streak of paler orange on 

 the crown, and a narrower border of duller white on the tail. 

 The young birds do not receive the orange on the head 

 during their residence here the first season. 



This bird is very generally known, from the lakes to Flo- 

 rida. Besides insects, they feed, like every other species of 

 their tribe with which I am acquainted, on various sorts of 

 berries, particularly blackberries, of which they are extremely 

 fond. Early in September they leave Pennsylvania on their 

 way to the south. 



The Great Crested flycatcher is less generally known than 

 the preceding, being chiefly confined to the woods. There 

 his harsh squeak, for he has no song, is occasionally heard 

 above most others. He also visits the orchard ; is equally 

 fond of bees ; but wants the courage and magnanimity of the 

 King-bird. He arrives in Pennsylvania early in May, and 

 builds his nest in a hollow tree deserted by the blue-bird or 

 woodpecker. The materials of which this is formed are 

 scanty, and rather novel. One of these nests, now before 

 me, is formed of a little loose hay, feathers of the Guinea fowl, 

 hogs' bristles, pieces of cast snake skins, and dogs' hair. 

 Snake skins with this bird appear to be an indispensable arti- 

 cle, for I have never yet found one of his nests without this 

 material forming a part of it. Whether he surrounds his 

 nest with this by way of terrorem, to prevent other birds or 

 animals from entering ; or whether it be that he finds its 

 silky softness suitable for his young, is uncertain ; the fact, 

 however, is notorious. The female lays four eggs of a dull 

 cream color, thickly scratched with purple lines of various 

 tints, as if done with a pen. 



The Pewit flycatcher is one of our earliest spring visitants, 

 arriving about the first week in March, and continuing with 

 us until October. The favorite resort of this bird is by streams 

 of water, under, or near bridges, in caves, &c. Near such 

 places he sits on a projecting twig, calling out pe-wee, pe-wit- 

 titee pe-wee, for a whole morning ; darting after insects, and 



