194 PASSERES. MUSCICAPAD^:. 



JOHN-TO-WHIT.* 



Red-eyed Flycatcher. WILS. Whip- Tom- Kelly. SLOANK. 

 Vireosylva olivacea. 



Muscicapa olivacea, LINN. Aud. pi. 150. 

 Vireosyha olivacea, BONAP. 



MUCH oftener heard than seen, though not un- 

 familiar to either sense, this sober-coloured bird is 

 one of those whose notes have such a similarity to 

 articulations as to procure them a common ap- 

 pellation. The Flycatchers, in general, are not 

 very vociferous, but this is pertinacious in its tri- 

 tonous call, repeating it with energy every two 

 or three seconds. It does not ordinarily sit on a 

 prominent twig, or dart out after insects, though 

 I have seen one in eager, but unsuccessful pur- 

 suit of a butterfly (Terias), but it seems to love 

 the centre of thick trees, where it sits announc- 

 ing its presence, or flits from bough to bough as 

 you approach ; so that it is not easy to get a sight 

 of it. 



This bird does not winter with us, but leaves 

 with the Grey Petchary, at the beginning of Oc- 

 tober. It returns early, and like the bird just 



* Length 6 inches, expanse 10, flexure 3, tail 2-^, rictus ^, tarsus 

 -5^, middle toe -^. Intestine 74 inches ; two minute caeca, merely rudi- 

 mentary. 



