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 THE RED-EYED VIREO. 



ViREO OLIVACEUS, BoNAP. 



PLATE CL. Male. 



One of the principal differences between the habits of this and some 

 other species, which are now called Vireos, and the Flycatchers, is, that 

 the former procure their food principally by moving about, and along the 

 branches or the twigs of the trees, by light hops, alternately changing 

 sides, reaching and securing their prey by an elastic extension of the 

 legs and neck, without the continual snapping or clicking of the bill so 

 common among the Muscicapae on such occasions, and that they seldom 

 make sorties on the wing to any distance, for the purpose of seizino- the 

 insects on which they usually feed. This habit is retained until autumn, 

 when, insects being scarce, the Vireo sallies forth to a short distance in 

 pursuit of them, as they may chance to pass near the tree on which, in 

 the silent mood of a Flycatcher, it stands erect, using the watchful side- 

 glances peculiar to its tribe, as it anxiously expects the passage of its 

 prey. Another difference is, that Vireos are generally more musical, 

 lively and gay, than Flycatchers, so that their society is more welcome to 

 man ; and, as if fully conscious of their superiority in this respect, and 

 knowing that they commit no depredations upon his frioit or bees, calcu- 

 lated to arouse his anger, they often suffer him to approach with a care- 

 lessness that evidently proves the simpHcity of their nature. The third 

 great difference between the Vireos and Flycatchers is, that the former 

 seldom, if ever, go down from the trees to the water, for the purpose of 

 drinking ; while the latter are often seen gliding closely over rivers and 

 pools, from which they sip their drink. The Vireos quench their thirst 

 with the drops of dew or rain that adhere to the leaves or twigs. I might 

 add, that the quivering motions of the wings in Flycatchers when alight- 

 ed, is not exhibited by the Vireos, at least has never been observed by 

 me. On the other hand, the affinity existing between the Vireos and 

 Muscicapae is indicated by their being equally possessed of the power of 

 regurgitation. 



The Red-eyed Flycatcher is an inhabitant of the whole of our forests. 

 Now you hear its sweet, unaffected, musical, loud and free warble, from 



