No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT. 287 



now seldom seen, though formerly common in every rocky pas- 

 ture throughout the state. 



SWIFTS. 



Micropodidce. 



The Chimney Swift (Chcetura pelagica) also feeds entirely 

 on insects ; and the number of these it must capture each day is 

 indicated by the writhing mass in its throat, when it has coursed 

 an hour or so through the air. " Their food is varied, probably 

 consisting of almost all the flying insects with which they come 

 in contact. Three specimens studied by Professor S. A. Forbes 

 had eafen ants, moths, ground beetles, rove-beetles, plant beetles, 

 flies, bugs, and spiders. The young are fed largely upon grass- 

 hoppers when these are abundant, and at other times on various 

 kinds of insects." (Weed and Dearborn.) 



HUMMINGBIRDS. 

 Trochilida. 



Although the few small insects which our solitary Humming- 

 bird, the Ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris), eats while 

 sipping the honey from flowers, or the sap at the cups of the Sap- 

 sucker, may not be of economic importance, its beauty should 

 certainly gain our protection. 



FLYCATCHERS. 

 Tyrannida. 



As their name implies, the Flycatchers are insect eaters. 

 These they obtain chiefly by darting from a limb or post and 

 seizing them in the air, but occasionally hunt for them on the 

 ground. Only five species of them are common enough with us 

 to be of any economic importance, and of these the Kingbird 

 (Tyrannus tyrannus) is the largest and most numerous. Locally 

 known as " Bee Martin " on account of its supposed fondness 

 for bees, this bird has obtained an evil reputation that seems to 

 be undeserved. Mr. Nash quotes a Mr. Thacideus Smith as 

 writing, " I have been here over thirty years, and at one time 

 made the science of apiculture a special study, raising choice 



