140 



THE BIRDS OF THE WOODS 



to large gardens in the country, and to parks in the towns. Arriving in pairs at 

 the end of April or beginning of May, it leaves in parties at the end of August or 

 in September. It makes its nest about 10 feet from the ground on a tree or else- 

 where, frequently in the climbing plants on a wall, occasionally on a beam in an 

 outhouse, but always under shelter. The nest is neatly built of moss and grass 

 bound together with cobwebs, lined with rootlets and hair, and crossed with frag- 

 ments of the immediate surroundings so as to render it as inconspicuous as possible. 



. 



WHITE-COLLARED FLYCATCHER. 



The spotted flycatcher, which feeds on flies, gnats, moths, and other winged insects, 

 is seldom seen on the ground, except for a few moments, preferring to perch on a 

 dead bough or a fence, or some spot higher than the flight of its prey. From this 

 it dashes down at its victim, occasionally pursuing it with many a curve and turn, 

 and generally taking it back to the perch to eat. Should the capture be a 

 butterfly or moth, the bird rubs it against some object, to break off" the wings. 

 The old birds have often been observed teaching the young ones to capture their 

 own food, invariably near bushes, over a strip of damp ground where small insects 

 are numerous. In the autumn, when insects are scarce, flycatchers will feed on 



