OBSERVATIONS ON CANADIAN BIRDS. 15 
and not finding rocks suitablefor their purpose in the breeding season, 
they frequently choose, as a substitute, the end of a barn or other 
outhouse. I have seen such a republic in the country, where the upper 
part of the end of a barn was literally covered with clay, and perforated 
with numerous circular holes, out of which the full dark eyes and 
gaping bills of the callow inmates were frequently seen protruding ; 
there must have been from two to three tons of clay used in the work, 
and the constant visits of the parent birds at this interesting season give 
the building at a short distance much the appearance of a great bee- 
hive. 
In the habits of the Swift or Chimney Swallow is another deviation 
from the established custom. When we see these birds circling round 
in the air and dropping perpendicularly into our chimneys to roost and 
rear their young, the question very naturally arises, where did they 
build before the invention of chimneys? Naturalists tell us that 
their nesting place then was in hollow trees, broken off midway and 
open at the top, but that now, even where these can be had, the chim- 
ney is preferred. We can easily understand that in settled parts of the 
country, when their favourite trees are all'cleared away, they must either 
leave the district, or change their abode, but why they should, in plaves 
where they have their choice, leave the open tree for the open chimney, 
is still, I believe, an unanswered question. 
Next in order come the Flycatchers, birds of small size, but in 
their habits much resembling the birds of prey. These have the upper 
mandible overhanging and notched at the tip, and the voice, in most 
cases, harsh and discordant. The mode of taking their prey varies in 
different species, some, taking up a station on a post, or limb of atree 
dart after the passing insect making the snapping of the bill distinctly 
heard, others more expert of wing, keep skipping about among the 
bushes, and take by surprise any thing suitable which comes in the 
way. A prominent member of this group, is the King bird, or tyrant 
flycatcher, well known on account of his depredations among hive bees ; 
he is also remarkable for the courage he displays when guarding his 
nest and young, being known to drive even the Bald Eagle from 
his vicinity. 
Nearly allied to the flycatchers, but differing from them in form 
and habits, are the Wood-warélers. There is no class of small birds 
so much sought after by collectors as these, they are a numerous 
family, generally graceful in form, sprightly in manner, and brilliant 
