Field Marks. Dusky brown crown cap; outer feather of the tail 
showing white. The phoebe's surroundings and note distinguish him from 
other birds. 
Note. "Phoebe, phoebe." 
The phoebe is a well-known bird. Almost every farm in the state is 
blessed with his presence. In early spring one of the notes of the chicka- 
dee is often mistaken for that of the phoebe. People have told me that 
they had heard the phoebe when I knew from the date that this bird could 
not be present The chickadee's note which causes the confusion is a 
long drawn plaintive p-h-o-e-b-e whistle, while the phoebe's note in com- 
parison is a short, energetic phoebe. 
The phoebe helps clear the air of flies, eats beetles, caterpillars and 
squash bugs. Ninety-three per cent, of his year's food consists of in- 
sects and spiders. Prof. Beal says there is hardly a more useful species 
about the farm, and he should receive every encouragement. 
WOOD F'EW'E'E—iContopus virens.) 
Upper parts blackish brown with an olive green shade; wings and 
tail dusky; white bars on the wings; under parts white, washed with an 
olive gray on sides of throat and breast 
Length about six and one-half inches. 
Arrival May 9 to 22. 
Favorite Haunts. In the woods, sometimes in orchard and shade 
trees. 
Field Marks. Smaller than the phoebe, larger than the least fly- 
catcher ; wings decidedly longer than tail ; white bars on the wings. 
Note. Long, Plaintive "pe-wee, peer, pe-wee peer, pe-wee peer, pe- 
wee." 
"The wood pewee's pensive, gentle ways are voiced by his sad, sweet 
call. The notes are as musical and restful, as much a part of Nature's 
Hymn, as the soft humming of a brook. All day long the pewee sings; 
even when the heat of summer silences more vigorous birds, the clear 
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