136 Land Birds of New England 



(usually in this case from ten to forty feet above 

 the ground), whence he dashes out after an insect, 

 returning after its capture to the same spot. 



The nest is usually placed in an oak at a con- 

 siderable distance above the ground. Eggs are 

 laid about the middle of June, and there are often 

 two sets. 



The note is a plaintive pee-u-ee, often shortened 

 to pee-u. He sings especially in the early morning 

 and late evening, often when it is quite dark. In 

 the neighborhood of New York his song ceases at 

 any time between late July and the end of August, 

 although occasional songs may be heard in Sep- 

 tember. 



LITERATURE : 



Little Brothers of the Air. OLIVE THORNE MILLER. 



77. PHCEBE ; PEWIT ; WATER PEWEE 



(Sayornis 



Upper parts grayish brown, darker on head ; under parts impure 

 white, passing into light gray-brown on sides and breast. Wing 

 usually but not always with a white bar. Bill broad, flat, dark ; 

 feet black. Bird about the size of a sparrow. Sexes similar. 



THE phcebe comes to us about the first of April, 

 and leaves in early October. His comparatively 

 fearless disposition and characteristic habits unite 

 to render him familiar. He frequents somewhat 



