^64 BIRDS 



Guatemala, where it is a common species. Mr. W. E. D. 

 Scott notes it as a common species about Riverside, Tucson, 

 and Florence, Arizona. Its habits are quite similar to those 

 of other flycatchers, though it has not been so carefully 

 observed as its many cousins in other parts of the country. 

 During the nesting season the male frequently utters a twit- 

 tering song while poised in the air, in the manner of the 

 sparrow hawk, and during the song it snaps its bill as if 

 catching insects. 



The Vermilion's nest is usually placed in horizontal 

 forks of rattan trees, and often in mesquites, not more than 

 six feet from the ground ; they are composed of small twigs 

 and soft materials felted together, with the rims covered 

 with lichens and the shallow cavity lined with a few horse 

 or cow hairs. Dr. Merrill states that they bear considerable 

 resemblance to nests of the wood pewee, in appearance and 

 the manner in which they are saddled to the limb. Nests 

 have been found, however, which lacked the exterior coating 

 of lichens. 



Three eggs are laid of a rich creamy- white, with a ring of 

 large brown and lilac blotches at the larger end. 



