188 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



which it darts upon any passing insect and returns to its chosen perch, 

 always pumping its tail decidedly as soon as it alights, and frequently 

 while seated. The note which is often heard and has given it its 

 common name consists of the two syllables '^ Fhoe-be " or " pee-wee,'* 



Phuto by Ralph S. Paddock 



Phoebe's nest and eggs 



which also distinguishes the bird from the Wood peewee whose note con- 

 sists of three syllables. The Phoebe begins to construct her nest as early 

 as the third week in April and the first sets of eggs are to be found from 

 the 20th of April to the middle of May. The eggs are usually 5 in number, 



