DOWNS ON LAND BIRDS OF NOVA-SCOTIA. 47 



genus. The note of this bh'd is very similar to the "whir" of a 

 watchman's rattle, and is more frequently emitted during the breed- 

 ing season. 



Tyrant Fly-catcher, or Kixg-bird — (Mmcicapa tyrarmus). — 

 Inland, but rare on the sea coast. At Londonderry, Windsor, &c., 

 it is by no means a scarce bird. They are very useful on farms as 

 watch-birds, driving away hawks from the poultry yards. This 

 bird ought undoubtedly to be carefully preserved by all farmers, for 

 he may well be termed "the farmer's friend." He also feeds on 

 noxious insects. Poor Alexander AVilson paid a tribute to his 

 worth in a poem, the language of which is so touchingly beautiful, 

 that apart from all his other publications it is sufficient to raise him 

 in the estimation of all kind-hearted people. 



Green-crested Fly-catcher — (M. Acadica). — Frequents the 

 woods, and is generally seen- in company with the warblers. It 

 builds a little hanging nest, usually suspended betAveen the fork 

 of a small branch, and lays four white eggs. 



American Redstart — (M. rutirilla). — This beautiful bird is 

 very common, arriving generally about the 10th of May. It is 

 called by the settlers " gold-finch." By no means shy, this little 

 fly-catcher presents a showy appearance in our woods. Several 

 pairs breed every year near my house, forming nests similar to 

 those of the green-crested fly- catcher, Waterton found this species 

 in the winter season in Demerara, but never knew where it bred. 



Hed-eyed Vireo — (Vireo olivaceons). — Very common. It used 

 to breed plentifully m the hardwood groves at Purcell's Cove, but 

 I grieve to say that the fishermen livmg there have cut down nearly 

 all the trees for fuel, and the poor Vireo has to seek for another 

 home. His note sounds like "Whip Tom Kelly," constantly 

 repeated all day long. 



Canada Fly-catcher — (Myiodioctes Canadensis). — This species 

 usually arrives about the 10th of May. Its colour is olive green 

 with a black cap. It is always found with the warblers, and 

 appears to be a connecting link between the warbler and fly- 

 catcher. 



Note. — There is another large species of fly-catcher which I cannot make 

 out. It frequents the barrens about Grand Lake and Lawson's Mill. It is very 

 solitary in habit, and does not make its appearance until the summer is well 

 advanced. The coloured man Toliver, mentioned before, was generally hailed by 

 his children when the first note of this bird was heard, with— " liaddy, here 

 summer's come." 



