136 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [1891 



some tall tree. In September it apparently becomes mute. It 

 is not uncommon, and it is generally distributed all over the 

 country in suitable localities. Unlike the " Kingbird " and our 

 two Pewees, it is hardly known to our farmers, notwithstanding 

 its conspicuous size. It is always solitary, and does not appear 

 to seek the company even of its own kind. 



Sayiornis phoehe (Lath.). Phoebe. 

 " Pewee." 



Setting aside the Bluebird and the Robin, both being seen 

 occasionally, if not regularly during winter, the " Pewee " must 

 be considered as the pioneer of all the birds in spring ; it is truly 

 a harbinger of spring. Early in March it arrives in this lati- 

 tude, and is during that month and part of the following one 

 very abundant, until the arrival of the " Wood Pewee," when it 

 becomes outnumbered by that species. At this time also a large 

 number evidently go farther north. All through the summer, 

 even though common, it is not as abundant as the Wood Pewee. 

 In the fall, particularly in October, it again becomes extremely 

 abundant. It remains nearly through October, and we have 

 observed it besides early in November. It is particularly fond 

 of the neighborhood of water, and the writer has often observed 

 it flying above the water, almost skimming it; somewhat after 

 the manner of swallows, particularly in the spring. 



Its notes are indicated by its vernacular name, and they are 

 mostly heard in spring, uttered when sitting on some limb or 

 branch of a tree, but sometimes while perched on a fence- rail. 

 The notes sound like the syllables, " Pa-way." 



Contopus virens (Linn.). Wood Pewee. 



The Wood Pewee arrives in this neighborhood about the 25th 

 of April, stays here through September, and leaves again in 

 October. It is an exceedingly common bird all through the 

 summer, much more so than the true Pewee. It frequents wood- 

 lands, also orchards and other similar localities, particularly 

 during the breeding season, where it usually occupies the 

 branches having none or hardly any foliage ; seemingly as if 



