TRAILL’S FLYCATCHER. 377 
ference is at once seen. Instead of comparing it with the structures of the Warbler, or 
with those of the above species, we are at once reminded of the Vireos, though no one 
familiar with the elegant basket-like structure of these weavers would think of mistak- 
ing this for one of their masterpieces. The resemblance is but a superficial one, begin- 
ning and ending with the manner the negi is disposed in a horizontal fork. 
“Itis a slight structure made of fine grasses, interspersed moro or less with the blos- 
soms of trees, the whole disposed in a circular form, and fitted between two twigs; a 
firm support is derived from a binding of spiders’ web, which are interwoven with the 
sides ofthe nest, and then carried over the twigs on either side, encircling them with strong 
bands. The entire base of the nest is without support, and so thin is the slight struc- 
ture that the eggs might almost be seen from below. This nest was built in a small tree, 
perhaps twenty feet from the ground. In this repect the two species vary but little, 
both preferring to select the lower branches of tree or shrub as the site of their domicile, 
and only rarely departing from the rule. This last nest was taken near Washington, 
by Mr. P. L. Jouy, who kindly placed it at my dispesal. The contrast between these 
two structures could indeed scarcely be greater, aud those selected for description may, 
I think, be taken as fair samples of the styles of nest architecture that obtain with the 
two species, at least all of a considerable number I have seen, from several localities, 
correspond with the foregoing. 
‘‘ A word as to the eggs. After examination of several sets of éither species, of which 
the identity was unquestionable, I am eertain that no decided differences of coloration 
exist between them; none at least that are constant and that can be made of use in the 
exact discrimination of the two. Dr. T. M. Brewer, in speaking of the eggs of L. traillii, 
describes them as possessing a ‘white ground color with distinct roseate tinge,’ and 
marked with large and well defined blotches of purplish-brown, while in his description 
of acadicus, he says in distinction, the eggs resemble more those of the Contopi, and are 
‘ of a rich cream color with reddish-brown shading, marked ait larger end with scattered 
and vivid blotches ef red and reddish-brown,’ The truth is, however, that the shade 
of the ground color of either species is extremely variable, not being alike in any two 
sets L[haveexamined. The eggs of Traill’s Flycatcher are frequently found to be a very 
decided cream color, approaching buff, while those of the Acadian, if anything, are more 
buffy, but will now and then be found to be fully as palo as some of the Traill’s. The 
markings, too, are subject to considerable variation as to precise shade, number and 
s1Ze, 
** On this point Dr. Wheaton remarks, that while he can discover no specific difference 
in the eggs of the two birds, he is of the opinion, that the eggs of acadicus average a lit- 
tle longer and slenderer than those of Trailliit, and have perhaps a yellower buff tinge. 
“With reference to the habits of these two species, Dr. Wheaton has always observed 
avery decided difference, especially in the localities chosen as homes, 2nd considers ‘ the 
locality: as characteristic of the species as any of its other points.’ He has always found 
Traill’s Flycatcher a lover of the low grounds, and especially fond of the willow clumps 
along running streams, while of the Acadian he says: ‘It is never ‘ond in company 
with, or in such localities a8 are frequented by the Traill’s. In all cases it is found 
in upland woodland, preferably, and I might almost say as far as my observation ex- 
tends in beech woodland. I have never seen it even during the migration in other 
places.’ ” 
To this description I can add little except by way of qualification of 
my Own opinion. In one locality, a swamp in an extensive forest about” 
