BLUE-GRAY SYLVAN FLYCATCHER. 
297 
This rare species, of a doubtful genus, was first dis- 
covered by Mr. Audubon, by whom it was communicated 
to Wilson as well as the drawing which accompanies his 
description. He afterwards met with this bird himself in 
Pennsylvania, towards the close of April in an orchard, 
where with remarkable activity it was running and dart- 
ing about among the opening buds and blossoms in quest 
of winged insects. Its notes and other habits are at 
present unknown. It is not uncommon ; being seen in 
New Jersey, particularly in swamps, and may breed 
there, as it is found in the month of June. In the south- 
ern parts of the Union, in summer, it is probably more 
frequent than in the Middle States. My friend, Mr. C. 
Pickering, also obtained a specimen several years ago 
near Salem, (Massachusetts.) 
Length 5 inches; alar extent 8|. Below dirty white, stained with 
dull yellow towards the upper part of the breast. Bill dusky yellow, 
broad at the base, notched near the tip, with porrected bristles at the 
base. Legs dark brown ; feet yellowish. Iris hazel. 
BLUE-GRAY SYLVAN FLYCATCHER. 
(Muscicapa coerulea , Wilson, ii. p. 164. pi. 18. fig. 5. Sylvia ccerulea , 
Lath. Audubon, pi. 84. Philad. Museum, No. 6829.) 
Sp. Charact. — Bluish-grey ; beneath pale bluish-white ; tail longer 
than the body, rounded, black ; outer tail-feathers nearly white, 
the two succeeding tipt with white. — Female bluish white below, 
without the black line over the eye and front. 
But for the length of the tail, this would rank among 
the most diminutive of birds. It is a very dexterous, 
lively insect hunter, and keeps commonly in the tops of 
tall trees ; its motions are rapid and incessant, appearing 
always in quest of its prey, darting from bough to bough 
