of nests were made entirely of blossoms, being rarely more than eight or ten feet from the ground, and so open at the bottom that the eggs could be seen from underneath. He also says that it is a common resident of Pennsylvania from May until late September, at which season it ekes out its insect diet with berries.
Its nest is variously described as "a light hammock swung between forks," and "a tuft of hay caught by the limb from a load driven under it."
- Length:
- 5-5.50 inches.
- Male and Female:
- Olive-gray, brightest on the head, paler on wings and rump. Whitish eye ring, and wing-bars. Breast whitish, growing more yellow toward vent. Bill dusky. Feet black.
- Note
- "Che-bec! Chebec!" (Coues.)
- Season
- Common summer resident; May to late September.
- Breeds
- From Pennsylvania northward.
- Nest
- In upright crotch of tree or bush, substantial and well cupped. Materials varying with the location, plant fibres and weeds, lined with down and sometimes horsehair.
- Eggs
- Usually unmarked, occasionally faintly spotted.
- Range
- Eastern North America, south in winter to Central America.
The least of his tribe, the mite, whose olive poll is seen in great numbers darting about the orchard in May and again in late September when the decaying fruit attracts numerous insects. He is abundant, useful, and sociable, though neither possessing gay feathers nor a single musical note, yet he fills his own corner, doing his part in helping man to keep the upper hand over the insect world. These Flycatchers are solicitous parents and, as a rule, show great affection for their young, becoming almost frantic if the nest is approached.
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