BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 293 



The Great-crested Flycatcher, Muscicapa crinita, is 

 spoken of by Nuttall, as nearly unknown in New England. 

 It is probably more common in other parts of the state than in 

 the vicinity of Boston ; though I learn from Dr. Brewer, that 

 Mr. Cabot, who is familiar with the bird, has seen it in Cam- 

 bridge. Professor Emmons arsures me that it breeds in Berk- 

 shire. It is doubtless one of our birds, but not numerous 

 enough at present to be of much importance. It is dif- 

 ficult to say why its reach of migration should be less than 

 that of other birds of its tribe, which do not equal it in hardi- 

 hood and power of flight, nor can any natural cause be im- 

 agined which should prevent its going farther to the north 

 than our southern border. Its food, consisting of insects, 

 grapes, and berries, such as those of the poke-weed, can be 

 found any where. It was probably some accidental preference 

 in the beginning, afterwards continued from habit, which con- 

 fines this species to the southern parts of New England. 



The Pewit Flycatcher, Muscicapa atra. commonly known 

 by the name of phoebe, is a familiar and welcome bird ; not 

 valued for its beauty or its song, in both which respects it is 

 deficient, but held in general esteem, because it reposes con- 

 fidence in man. Its favorite resorts are bridges and barns and 

 similar frequented places. It prefers the vicinity of water, but 

 this is not indispensable ; it cares rather for a good hunting 

 ground for insects, and as these are most abundant in the 

 places just mentioned, the phoebe generally selects them. 

 There it sits on some roof or post, singing its song, such as it 

 is, occasionally suspending it to dart after a passing fly. As 

 these birds are active and successful in this pursuit, the do- 

 mestic cattle are not a little benefited by their labors. 



The phoebe returns from its winter quarters in the begin- 

 ning of April. At first it resorts to the woods, but soon comes 

 into the village to select a place for its nest. It is remarkable 

 for its local attachment, and will return to the same place, year 

 after year, even when it has been disturbed repeatedly m its 

 possession. It builds under bridges, in caves, or the sides of 



