BIRDS OF NEW JERSEY. 539 
vania and in New York, it is probable that the reason of 
the author's failure in finding their nests, except in one in- 
stance (vide Geology of New Jersey, p. 765), arose from 
the faet that the natural features of the sections of the state 
he happened in were not such as attract the species. It, 
however, does not breed, as uniformly within state limits, as 
the five other species of Picide common to the state. 
The cutting off of the heavier growths of timber, and 
general alteration, and rendering of the country's surface 
tame by cultivation, must have the effect either of changing 
the habits of the birds, or of driving them from their former 
haunts. . The latter is generally the case, and undoubtedly 
is so with reference to this species. The other Picide are 
still abundant except two species, Melanerpes erythrocephalus 
and Hylatomus pileatus. Throughout the winter the “ Sap- 
sucker (Picus villosus), and Downy Woodpecker (P. pu- 
bescens), are very sociable, and appear as much at home in 
the maples along our town streets, as in the orchards beyond 
the village TER 
3. Taille Flycatcher (Empidonax Traillii). The great 
influx of feathered life that comes to our state in the month 
of May is so varied as to species, and the many varieties 
having their particular haunts whereto they hie, that it is no 
easy matter, even after several attempts, to learn just what 
have come; and later in the season just how many have re- 
mained. That the list will vary year after year is unquestion- 
able; but the species now under consideration is not one that 
simply remains during the summer occasionally. They do 
so now regularly, although their numbers vary very consid- 
erably. During the past seven summers the writer has reg- 
ularly met with them. Previous to 1863 they are not 
mentioned in any of his note-books. They are, with us, a 
very restless, wild bird, remaining among the topmost 
branches of tall trees, and in such situations building their 
nests. 
A nest of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher ( E. flaviventris), 
