‘ 
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. 369 
row strip next the shafi; outer web of outer feathers edged with yellowish; the middle 
feathers, outer webs of the rest, and wings, except as stated, dusky brown. Very 
young birds have rufous skirting of many feathers, in addition to the chestnut above 
described, but this soon disappears. Length, 84-94; wing and tail about 4; bill and tar- 
sus, each, #. 
Habitat, Hastern United States and British Provinces, but rarely beyond the Connecti- 
cut Valley; west to Hastern Kansas and Indian Territory. Guatemala, Costa Rica. 
Common summer resident from May Ist to September. Breeds. Fre- 
quents open woodlands, orchards, and shrubbery. - 
In this species the courage which the King-bird displays in defending 
its nest is converted into a quarrelsomeness, which vents its spleen upon 
itsown kindred. Its harsh, defiant notes are heard in nearly every grove 
and orchard, and frequent contests may be seen between members 
of this species. 
This is the ouly species of the family, breeding with us, which finds a 
nesting place in cavities of trees. It is noted for using the cast off 
skins of snakes in the construction of its nest. Whether this strange 
custom is simply an eccentric fancy or a defensive proceedure is not 
known. 
In this city these birds have, within a few years, taken up their sum- 
mer abode in moderate numbers, choosing for a nesting site a box put 
up for Bluebirds or Martins, and from which they have been known to 
expel settled occupants. This new habit is no doubt owing to the 
destruction of favorite breeding spots, and the increased supply of food 
which the city affords, by reason of the abundant water supply. In the 
cases which I have observed, these birds broke and carried out eggs of 
Bluebirds, making use of their nests, simply adding a few straws and 
shavings. The nest is usually placed in a natural cavity of the trunk 
or one of the larger limbs, sometimes, however, in the deserted hole 
of a Woodpecker. Into this they carry large quantities of leaves, 
straw, and rootlets, which they line with feathers. In ail nests which 
I have seen, except those in boxes, snake skins were present, placed 
about the rim. j 
The eggs are remarkable for their coloration. They are light buffy 
brown, streaked longitudinally by lines and ees of purplish and 
darker brown. They measure 1. by .75. 
Genus SAYORNIS. Bonaparte. 
Head moderately crested. Middie toe scarcely longer than hind tee, shorter than tar- 
sus. Wings moderately pointed, eqvai to the broad, slightly forked tail. First primary 
shorter than sixth, 
24, 
