average size is about .73 x .56. The shell is creamy in hue, sometimes as deep as that of the Acadian 
Flycatcher, sometimes as white as the egg of the Kingbird. The markings consist of blotches, spots, and 
specks of chocolate-brown or reddish-brown, confined to the base, where they form a ring; often they are 
confluent ; deep shell-markings have a lavender tint, and are about as numerous as the surface-marks. 
Plain eggs are rare. 
DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 
The nest may always be identified, as it is the only lichen-covered nest of its dimensions built in 
the state. The eggs may usually be distinguished from those of E. acadicus or E. trailli by the abun- 
dance of deep shell-marks, and by the larger size and greater quantity of surface-marks. It is rare to 
find surface-marks superimposed upon large, deep shell-marks in the eggs of the Acadian or Traill’s 
Flycatcher, while it is the ordinary arrangement of the marks on the eggs C. virens. 
REMARKS : 
Fig. 2, Plate XIX, represents an average nest in position, materials of construction, size, and shape. 
The eggs show the common sizes, shapes, ground-colors, and markings. 
The nest of the Wood Pewee is difficult to find, owing to its small size, lichen-covered exterior, and 
obscure position. Even when situated in a conspicuous place, upon a dead branch, it is easily mistaken 
for a lichen-covered excrescence so common upon the trees which the Pewee frequents. When the nest 
is disturbed the owners often show considerable courage, but different individuals are as variable in valor 
as are individuals of the human family. One pair may fight for their nest, another only scold, and still 
another may silently see home and eggs demolished or carried away, without uttering the least protest. 
Mr. Maynard has so pleasantly written of this species, that I can not do better than quote from him. 
Although penned in Xew England, the text is equally true of Ohio: “Among the summer birds which 
visit Xew England in summer, there are none that come with less display than the Wood Pewees. 
Almost all of our returning migrants announce their arrival more or less ostentatiously; the flocking 
Blackbirds chatter loudly as soon as they enter the meadows; the Bobolink greets his old home with 
his most cheerful song; the notes of the Oriole seem the clearest when he sings among the blossoming 
cherry-trees; and even the little chipping sparrow does not allow an hour to pass' after he enters the 
garden without informing his old friends of his advent by uttering his peculiar notes. In fact, field, 
meadow, and woodland are ringing with the melody of newly-arrived songsters, and amid this joyous 
outbreak, the gently-given pe-wee of our somber-colored little friends passes almost unheeded. But later, 
in June, when the oaks and maples are covered with delicately-tinted foliage, when the ferns have fully 
unrolled their beautiful pinnate fronds, when Nature has clothed all vegetable life with her loveliest 
greens, and the air in the groves is redolent with that spicy odor only to be observed in early summer, 
then the plaintive lay of the Wood Pewee is heard to perfection. It is more noticeable near the middle 
of the day, when many birds are taking their noon-time siesta, and naught is to be heard excepting the 
long-drawn notes of the Flycatcher, which are given very low, as if the bird was not desirous of break- 
ing the stillness. They sing throughout the day all summer long, constantly reiterating their lay even 
during the most sultry days of August.” 
86 
