602 The Great Crested Flycatcher. [ August, 
as those of sheep in a fold. In all these situations our bird seeks 
a place for its nest, which is composed of more or fewer mate- 
rials as the emergency may require, and I have observed that in 
nests nearest to the ground the greatest quantity of grass, fibrous 
roots, feathers, the hair of different quadrupeds, and the exuvie 
of snakes was accumulated. The nest is under the above circum- 
stances at all times a loose mass. Sometimes when at a great 
height, very few materials are used, and in more than one instance 
I have found the eggs merely deposited on the decaying particles 
of the wood, at the bottom of a hole in the broken branch of a 
tree, sometimes of one that had been worked out by the gray 
squirrel.” 
In “ Wilson’s Ornithology,” we find the following with regard 
to the nesting habits of this bird: “The great crested flycatcher 
arrives in Pennsylvania in May and builds his nest in a hollow 
tree deserted by the blue-bird or woodpecker. The material of 
which this is formed is scanty or rather novel. One of these 
nests now before me is formed of a little loose hay, feathers of 
the guinea fowl, hogs’ bristles, pieces of cork, snake skins and 
dogs’ hair. Snake skins with this bird appear to be an indispens- 
able article, for I have never found one of his nests without this 
material forming a part of it. Whether he surrounds his nest 
with it by way of terrorism to prevent other birds or animals 
from entering, or whether it be that he finds its silky softness 
suitable for his young, is uncertain; the fact, however, 18 9° 
torious.” 
So it seems that heretofore the great crested flycatcher has bees 
content with any old tree or stump that afforded him a cavity In- 
to which he could gain access. But now the little bird-houses in 
the vineyard, scattered about on the posts, attract his attention 
much to the chagrin of the bluebirds and wrens. Apparently 
unconscious of this, the pair proceed with their house hunting 
much after the fashion of human bipeds. 
The male stations himself on one of the little houses, aad with 
his harsh voice calls his mate. She comes and inspects the 
house, but seems to have some objection, so they go the rounds, 
even looking into those already occupied by bluebirds, but they 
do not molest them. 
A male bluebird is watching the pair from an adjacent grape 
post as they visit his home. The flycatcher is stationed on the 
