SPECIES 2. MUSCICAPA CRINITA. 
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. 
[Plate XIII. — Fig. 2.] 
Linn. Syst. 325. — Lath, ii, 55T.—Arct. Zool. p. 386, J^o. 267. — 
Le mouche-rolle de Virginie a liuppe verte, Buff, iv, 565. PI. 
Enl. 569. — Beale’s Museum, JVb. 6645. 
By glancing at the physiognomy of this bird and the rest of 
the figures on the same plate, it will readily be observed, that 
they all belong to one particular family of the same genus. 
They possess strong traits of their particular cast, and are all 
remarkably dexterous at their profession of fly-cathing. The 
one now before us is less generally known than the prece- 
ding, being chiefly confined to the woods. There his harsh 
squeak, for he has no spng, is occasionally heard above most 
others. He also visits the orchard; is equally fond of bees; but 
wants the courage and magnanimity of the King-bird. He ar- 
rives in Pennsylvania early in May, and builds his nest in a 
hollow tree deserted by the Blue-bird or Wood-pecker. The 
materials of which this is formed are scanty, and rather novel. 
One of these nests, now before me, is formed of a little loose 
hay, feathers of the Guinea fowl, hog’s bristles, pieces of cast 
snake skins, and dogs’ hair. Snake skins with this bird appear 
to be an indispensable article, for I have never yet found one 
of his nests without this material forming a part of it. Whether 
he surrounds his nest with this by way of terrorem, 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 is notorious. The female lays four eggs of a dull 
cream colour thickly scratched with purple lines of various tints 
as if done with a pen. See fig. 2. 
VOL. II. — M m 
