Nest.—It is said to build its nest at low elevations in trees or in thorny bushes—a large structure of twigs and rubbish with an entrance on the side. The three to five eggs have a cream-colored ground and are prominently specked about the large end with brown (1.15 × .82).
Range.—A Mexican species that is fairly common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
CRESTED FLYCATCHER
452. Myiarchus crinitus. 9 inches
These large flycatchers are very noisy in the mating season, but their notes are rather more musical than those of the [Kingbirds]. They appear to be of a quarrelsome disposition, for rarely will more than one pair be found in a single piece of woods. They also frequently chase smaller birds, but never attack larger ones, as do the [Kingbirds]. They have a queer habit of placing a piece of snakeskin in the hole in which their nest is located, for what purpose, unless to scare away intruders, is not known, but it seems to be a universal practice.
Note.—A clear whistle, “wit-whit,” “wit-whit,” repeated several times. This is the most common call; they have many others less musical.
Nest.—Of straw, etc., in holes of dead limbs. Eggs four to six in number; buffy white, streaked and blotched with brown.
Range.—Eastern N. A. from the Plains to the Atlantic, breeding north to southern Canada.
