PHCEBE. 
415 
Kingbird that but for its superior size and note it might be 
mistaken for that species. 
These birds flutter while flying, and sometimes during the 
breeding season the pair, crossing each other’s path, rise m 
spiral evolutions, loudly twittering as they ascend. When 
interrupted, alarmed by pursuit, or in quest of insects, they 
dart off with great velocity. If a large bird, as a Heron or 
Crow, or indeed any intruder, pass near their station, they 
immediately pursue it, and that often to a considerable dis- 
tance. At the same time they appear careless of the approach 
of man except when the nest is invaded, when they fly about 
in great anger, snapping their bills and loudly chattering ; but 
when relieved from their unwelcome visitors, they return to 
their stand with notes of exultation. 
Nuttall, following Audubon, named this species the Pipiry Fly- 
catcher. It is abundant in the West Indies and is quite common 
in parts of Florida, but occurs at no other locality within the limits 
of the United States except as an accidental wanderer. Examples 
have been taken on Long Island and at Lynn, in Massachusetts. 
PHCEBE. 
FEWEE. PEWIT. 
SaYORNIS PHCEBE. 
Char. Upper parts dull olive brown, darker on head; under parts 
whitish, changing to pale yellow on belly, and Vjrowuiish on flanks ; wings 
and tail dusky, outer tail feathers and wing bar whitish ; white ring 
around the eyes ■, bill and feet black. Head with inconspicuous crest. 
Length 6^ to 7 inches. _ , , 
N, st. Attached to the under-side of a bridge, or to a rock, or the side 
of a cave ; of twigs, roots, and moss, cemented with mud, lined with grass 
and feathers. 
Eggs. 4-5 : white, sometimes speckled with pale brow'n ; o 80 X 0.55. 
This familiar species inhabits the continent of North Amer- 
ica from Canada and Labrador to Texas, retiring from the 
Northern and Middle States at the approach of winter. How 
