PERCHERS: FLYCATCHERS. 73 



or decayed tree near the water, it watches intently for 

 fish ; and at the proper moment it plunges into the 

 water, seizes its victim, flies to the nearest tree, swal- 

 lows the fish, and is immediately on the lookout for 

 another. 



FLYCATCHERS. 



There are about thirty kinds of these birds in North 

 America. The bill is broad and bent down at the tip, 

 and the sides of the mouth have stiff bristles. The 

 Kingbird, Pewees, and Great-crested Flycatcher are 

 some of the most common and best known species. The 

 Kingbird is somewhat smaller than a robin, and is dark 



Fig. 119. Kingbird. 



above and white below, with a hidden crest of orange, 

 vermilion, and white. It is common in open fields 

 and orchards, where it is seen perched upon a stake, 

 tall weed, or low tree, watching for insects, which it 

 darts down upon with sure aim. It is very courageous, 

 eagerly attacking crows, hawks, and other large birds. 

 The Pewee, or Phoebe Bird, is smaller than the King- 

 bird, and its color is dark above and yellowish below. 



