BIRDS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
5 
Plate II. 
CONTOPUS VIRENS, Caba^^is. 
Wood Pewee. 
The Wood Pewee, like most of its congeners, lias a somewliat ex- 
tended habitat, ranging from the Atlantic westward to the Plains, and 
from Texas to New Brunswick. It visits the United States about the 15th 
of April, and from this time until its departure for Guatemala in October, 
it is principally an occupant of high -wooded regions with a scanty growth 
of underbrush, and timbered river-bottoms. 
But as the season advances, and the amatory feelings become awak- 
ened, these shady retreats are deserted by a few individuals of more 
venturesome disjiosition, and a temporary abiding-place is sought for amid 
the stirring scenes of active farm-life. This generally occurs during the 
last of May or the beginning of June, and is the prelude to the more 
important act of mating, which follows. 
The assumption of matrimonial relations, however, is not a matter 
that is entered into without more or less consideration. Occasionally, 
much time is spent in its prejiaration. This is presumably the case when 
a young female is courted by some venerable male. But when an appa- 
rently experienced individual is the object of his devotion, the state of things 
is different. His advances are then either encouraged and reciprocated, or 
they are declined, and the disappointed suitor compelled to seek a partner 
elsewhere. It is probable, moreover, that the same birds pair together on 
each return of the breeding-season, unless prevented by death, or some 
other of the numerous vicissitudes of life. 
The ceremony of mating being over — which business is ordinarily of 
short continuance, seldom lasting for a greater period than two days — 
