KING-BIRD, OR TYRANT FLYCATCHER. 269 



Hawk, surveying the ground or herbage for grasshoppers, 

 which are a favorite diet. At other times, they may be 

 observed in small companies flickering over still waters in 

 the same employment, the gratification of appetite. Now 

 and then, during the heat of summer, they are seen to 

 dip and bathe, in the watery mirror, and with this wash- 

 ing, drying, and pluming, they appear to be both gratified 

 and amused. During the season of their sojourn, the 

 pair are often seen moving about in company, with a 

 rapid quivering of the wings, and a continued tremulous 

 shrieking twitter. Their energetic and amusing mo- 

 tions are most commonly performed in w^arm and fine 

 weather, and continue, with little interruption, until to- 

 wards the close of August. 



One of the most remarkable traits in the character of 

 the Kincr-bird is the courage and affection which he dis- 

 plays for his mate and young ; for on his first arrival he 

 is rather timid, and readily dodges before the Swallow 

 and Purple Martin. Indeed at this season I have seen 

 the spotted Sandpiper* drive away a pair of King-birds, 

 because they happened to approach the premises of her 

 nest. But he now becomes, on this important occasion, so 

 tenacious of his rights as readily to commence the attack 

 against all his feathered enemies, and he passes several 

 months of the summer in a scene of almost perpetual con- 

 test, and not overrating his hostile powers, he generally 

 finds means to come off with impunity. Eagles, Hawks, 

 Crows, Jays, and in short every bird which excites his 

 suspicion, by their intentional or accidental approach, are 

 attacked with skill and courage ; he dives upon the heads 

 and backs of the larger intruders, who become so annoy- 

 ed and tormented as willingly to make a precipitate re- 

 treat. He pursues his foes sometimes for a mile ; and at 



* Totanas macidarius, 



23* 



