286 



CITIZEN BIRD 



far away, even if tliey are so big 



and fierce that he has to call 



liis friends to help him ; so that 



the robber Crow or cannibal bird 



is Incky if he does not lose an eye 



before he escapes. 



'' Bnt the Kingbird is not 

 quarrelsome — simply 

 very lively ; he is 

 the very picture 

 of dash and dar- 

 ing in defending 

 tns home, and when he is teaching 

 his youngsters liow to fly. 



" Like other insect-eaters, he leaves the northerly 

 States before cold weather and journeys beyond the 

 United States for the winter. AVe always miss him 

 when he has swooped along the fence rail for the last 

 time and joined his brethren in the tree-tops, where 

 the flocks form for their long flight." 



KlXGBIRD 



The Kingbird 



Length eight inclies — a)>out tlie size of a Wood Thrush. 



Upper parts slate-colored, with black head, wings, and tail ; a 

 white band at the end of the tail, and a flaming orange spot on 

 the crown. 



Under parts pure white, a little grayish on the breast. 



A Summer Citizen of the United States and Canada, travelling 

 to Central and South America for the winter. 



One of the best neighbors, and a brave soldier. An officer of 

 the guild of Sky Sweepers, also a Ground Gleaner and Tree Trap- 

 per, killing robber-flies, ants, beetles, and rose-bugs. A good friend 

 to horses and cattle, because he kills the terrible gadflies. Eats 

 a little fruit, but chiefly wild varieties, and only now and then a bee. 



