( 25G ) 

 THE SMALL GREEN CRESTED FLYCATCHER 



MUSCICAPA ACADicA, Gmel. 

 PLATE CXLIV. Male and Female. 



The Small Green Crested Flycatcher is not abundant, even in South 

 Carolina, in the maritime parts of which it occasionally breeds. It 

 merely passes through Louisiana, in early spring and in autumn ; but 

 it is found distributed from Maryland to the eastern extremities of Nova 

 Scotia, proceeding perhaps still farther north, although neither I nor 

 any of my party observed a single individual in Newfoundland or La- 

 brador. 



It is a usual inhabitant of the most gloomy and secluded parts of our 

 deep woods, although now and then a pair may be found to have taken 

 possession of a large orchard near the house of the farmer. Almost as 

 pugnacious as the King Bird, it is seen giving chase to every intruder 

 upon its premises, not only during the season of its loves, but during 

 its whole stay with us. As soon as it has paired, it becomes so retired 

 that it seldom goes farther from its nest than is necessary for procuring 

 food. 



Perched on some small spray or dry twig, it stands erect, patiently 

 eying the objects around. When it perceives an insect, it sweeps after it 

 with much elegance, snaps its bill audibly as it seizes the prey, and on 

 reaUghting, utters a disagreeable squeak. While perched it is heard at 

 intervals repeating its simple, guttural, gloomy notes, resembling the syl- 

 lables queae, queae, fchooe, tchewee. These notes are often followed, as 

 the bird passes from one tree to another, bv a low murmuring chirr or 

 twitter, which it keeps vip until it alights, when it instantly quivers its 

 wings, and jerks its tail a few times. At intervals it emits a sweeter 

 whistling note, sounding like weet, weet, weet, will; and when angry it 

 emits a loud chirr. 



Early in May, in our Middle Districts, the Small Green Crested 

 Flycatcher constructs its nest, which varies considerably in diiferent parts 

 of the country, being made warmer in the northern localities, where it 

 breeds almost a month later. It is generally placed in the darkest shade 

 of the woods, in the upright forks of some middle-sized tree, from eight 



