SPECIES 2. MUSClCtfPtf CRINIT& 



GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. 



[Plate XIII. Fig. 2.] 



LINN. Syst. 325. -LATH, n, 357. Arct. Zool. p. 386, JVo. 267. 

 Le mouche-rolle de Virglnie a huppe verte, BUFF, iv, 565. PI. 

 Enl. 569. PEALE'S Museum, No. 6645. 





BY glancing at the physiognomy of this bird and the rest of 

 the figures on the same plate, it will readily be observed, that 

 they all belong to one particular family of the same genus. 

 They possess strong traits of their particular cast, and are all 

 remarkably dexterous at their profession of fly-cathing. The 

 one now before us is less generally known than the prece- 

 ding, 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 ar- 

 rives in Pennsylvania early in May, and builds his nest in a 

 hollow tree deserted by the Blue-bird or Wood-pecker. 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, hog's bristles, pieces of cast 

 snake skins, and dogs' hair. Snake skins with this bird appear 

 to be an indispensable article, 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 colour thickly scratched with purple lines of various tints 

 as if done with a pen. See fig. 2. 



VOL. ii. M m 



