This is the smallest of the genus found in the United States, being but 7 inches in length. Except for size it is similar to _crinitus_ but with very little, if any, rusty brown on tail, except for a slight edging on the outer web. Their nesting sites are the same as those chosen by the other Crested Flycatcher, but their eggs appear to have but little of the scratchy appearance of the other members. They are pale buffy, speckled and spotted with brown and lilac; size .80 × .60. Data.--Toluca, Mexico, May 20, 1895. Nest of brown hair and feathers, in hole in tree in woods. Collector, Fred T. Francis. 456. PHŒBE.. _Sayornis phœbe._ Range.--North America, east of the Rockies and north to Nova Scotia. These very common, grayish colored birds are very often known as "Bridge Birds" because of the frequency with which they construct their nests under bridges and arches; they also build in crevices in ledges or among the hanging roots near the tops of embankments, and on the rafters or beams of old buildings. The nests are made of mud, moss and grass, lined with feathers. The four or five eggs measure .75 × .55. Occasionally, eggs will be found that have a few minute spots of reddish brown. Freak situations in which to locate their nests are often chosen by these birds, such as the brake beam of a freight car, in the crevices of old wells, hen houses, etc. The birds are one of the most useful that we have; being very active and continually on the alert for insects and beetles that constitute their whole bill of fare. [Illustration 289: Buffy.] [Illustration: Phœbe.] [Illustration: White.] [Illustration: right hand margin.] Page 288 [Illustration 290: G. E. Moulthrope. PHOEBE ON NEST.] Page 289 457. Say's Phœbe. _Sayornis sayus._ Range.--Western United States, breeding from southern United States, north to the Arctic regions, and from Kansas and Wisconsin westward. Winters in Mexico. This bird is slightly larger than the last (7.5 inches long), and is rusty brown color on the belly and lower breast. Like the eastern Phœbes they are one of the earliest birds to return in the spring and are abundant in the greater parts of their range. Like the latter, they often raise two broods a season, one in April and another in July. Their nests are generally placed on narrow shelves and crevices of ledges, but they also nest as commonly about houses and farms as does the eastern bird. The nests are made of weeds, mosses, fibres and wool, and are quite flat. They lay four or five white eggs. Size .78 x .58. 458. BLACK PHŒBE. _Sayornis nigricans._ Range.--Mexico and north in summer into the bordering States.