296 
PASSERIFORMES 
459. Olive-sided Flycatcher, le moucherolle aitx cot4s olive. NvUaUornU 
mesoleucus. L, 7-39. The largest of the olive-green flycatchers. Much like the phoebe, 
but larger and the olive less clear (blacker), and with extensive masses of dark colour on 
either side of the chest, generally meeting in a narrow band across breast. 
Distinctions. The conspicuous dark patches at the sides of the chest and along the 
flanks, and the dark undertail-coverts with white tips or broad inverted V marks near 
the tips will separate this species from the phoebe which it resembles. The head and face 
are not noticeably darker than the back. At the sides of the lower back occasionally dis- 
played, though usually concealed by the closed wings, are patches of fine silk-like plumage 
of pure white or cream colour. These points will separate the Olive-sided from any of the 
other flycatchers. 
Field Marks. In life, the Olive-sided Flycatcher looks more like an Eastern Kingbird 
with a dark coat partly closed over a white vest than a phoebe. When the white, silky 
feathers show over the wings just above the rump, as sometimes occurs, the species cannot 
be mistaken. The call-notes are distinctive, though something like those of the Crested 
Flycatcher. The most common is a loud, penetrating “ Quick three-beer” ; the Alder 
Flycatcher has a note that may be syllabized like the last two words, but it is low and 
sibilant and not loud and ringing. 
Nesting. Nest of twigs and bark strips lined with moss and grasses on coniferous 
lands, usually very high up. 
Distribution. North and South America. In Canada, across the continent, breeding 
in the northern evergreen forest. 
This is typically a bird of the burnt ridges. Its favourite perch is on 
the tip-top of a gaunt dead pine in the open, surrounded by second-growth 
and brill 6, from whence its clear penetrating demand can be heard far and 
wide. In migration, its route probably follows the timber east and west 
and it is not often seen in the open prairie country. 
SUBORDER— PASSER ES. SONG BIRDS 
The suborder Passeres is a large division of birds, placed at the head 
of the list as exhibiting the highest development of the class Aves. It 
includes a great number of families and species. The characters differ- 
entiating the Oscines from the Tyranni are technical and anatomical 
and beyond the scope of a popular consideration of the subject. As might 
be gathered by the name the high development of the vocal organs and 
muscles attached is an important point in the classification. The members 
are more easily recognized from family descriptions than under this more 
general heading. 
FAMILY ALAUDIDAE. LARKS 
The larks comprise a large family of wide distribution. The sys- 
tematic distinctions that characterize the family are rather technical, and 
as there is only one species native to Canada to consider, they will be 
described under the species following. 
473. Skylark, l’alouette des champs. Alauda arvensis. L, 7-75. Brown and 
white, much streaked above, white below with a breast-band of fine, sharp, brown stripes. 
Distinctions. A brown, striped bird with very long hind toe-nail; long, fine bill 
like that of Horned Lark will distinguish from any longspurs that may show a comparable 
coloration. Much like a Horned Lark in general appearance, but note striped breast- 
band and absence of horns. 
This is the famous skylark of Europe. It has been introduced in 
southern Vancouver Island and a few are to lie seen occasionally about 
Victoria. 
