Although one of the most abundant species, common all over the United
States, the retiring habits, plainness of dress, and quiet manners of
this little bird have caused it to be comparatively little known. Dr.
Brewer says that if noticed at all, it is generally confounded with
the common Pewee, or Phoebe bird, though a little observation is
sufficient to show how very distinct they are. The Wood Pewee will sit
almost motionless for many minutes in an erect position, on some dead
twig or other prominent perch, patiently watching for its insect prey.
While its position is apparently so fixed, however, its eyes are
constantly on the alert, and close watching will show that the bird
now and then turns its head as its glance follows the course of some
distant insect, while anon the feathers of the crown are raised, so as
to form a sort of blunt pyramidal crest. This sentinel-like attitude
of the Wood Pewee is in marked contrast to the restless motion of the
Phoebe, who, even if perched, keeps its tail constantly in motion,
while the bird itself seldom remains long in a fixed position. The
notes of the two species (see August BIRDS) are as different as their
habits, those of the Wood Pewee being peculiarly plaintive--a sort of
wailing _pe-e-e-e-i, wee_, the first syllable emphasized and long
drawn out, and the tone, a clear, plaintive, wiry whistle, strikingly
different from the cheerful, emphatic notes of the true Pewee.
The Wood Pewee, like all of its family, is an expert catcher of
insects, even the most minute, and has a remarkably quick perception
of their near presence, even when the light of day has nearly gone
and in the deep gloom of the thick woods. Dr. Brewer describes it as
taking its station at the end of a low dead limb, from which it darts
out in quest of insects, sometimes for a single individual, which it
seizes with a sharp snap of its bill; and, frequently meeting insect
after insect, it keeps up a constant snapping sound as it passes on,
and finally returns to its post to resume its watch. While watching it
occasionally twitters, with a quivering movement of the head and tail,
uttering a feeble call-note, sounding like _pee-e_.
The nest of the Wood Pewee, which is always "saddled" and securely
attached to a rather stout branch, usually lichen-covered, is said
to be one of the most elegant examples of bird architecture. From
beneath it so much resembles a natural portion of the limb, but
for its betrayal by the owner, it would seldom be discovered. It is
saucer-shaped, with thick walls, and the whole exterior is a beautiful
"mosaic" of green, gray, and glaucous lichen. The eggs are a rich
delicate cream color, ornamented by a "wreath" round the larger end of
madder-brown, purple, and lilac spots.
The Wood Pewee has many admirers, a more interesting creature to watch
while feeding being hard to imagine. Often you will find him in the
parks. Sitting in some quiet, shady spot, if you wait, he will soon
show himself as he darts from the fence post not far away, to return
to it time after time with, possibly, the very insect that has been
buzzing about your face and made you miserable. His movements are so
quick that even the fly cannot elude him.
And to some he is pleasant as a companion. One who loves birds once
saw this Flycatcher flying in a circle and repeating breathlessly his
emphatic _chebec_. "He sang on the wing, and I have never heard notes
which seemed more expressive of happiness."
[Illustration: From col. F. M. Woodruff.
SNOW BUNTING.
Copyrighted by Nature Study Pub. Co., 1897, Chicago.]