80 



PEWIT FLYCATCHER. 



The Pewit is six inches and a half in length, and nine and a 

 half broad ; the upper parts are of a dark dusky olive ; the plumage 

 of the head, like those of the two preceding, is loose, subcrested, 

 and of a deep brownish black ; wings and tail deep dusky, the for- 

 mer edged on every feather with yellowish white, the latter forked, 

 and widening remarkably towards the end ; bill formed exactly like 

 that of the King-bird; whole lower parts a pale delicate yellow; 

 legs and bill wholly black; iris hazel. The female is almost 

 exactly like the male, except in having the crest somewhat more 

 brown. This species inhabits from Canada to Florida ; great num- 

 bers of them usually wintering in the two Carolinas and Georgia. 

 In New York they are called the Phoeby-bird, and are accused of de- 

 stroying bees. With many people in the country, the arrival of the 

 Pewee serves as a sort of almanack, reminding them that now it is 

 time such and such work should be done. " Whenever the Pewit 

 " appears," says Mr. Bartram, " we may plant peas and beans in 

 " the open grounds, French beans, sow radishes, onions and almost 

 " every kind of esculent garden seeds, without fear or danger from 

 " frosts ; for although we have sometimes frosts after their first ap- 

 " pearance for a night or two, yet not so severe as to injure the 

 '^'^ young plants."* 



* Travels, page 288. 



