KINGBIRD. 



444. Tyrannus tyranniis. 8i/4 inches. 



Adults with a concealed orange crown patch; young 

 with none. From the time of their arrival in May 

 until they leave us in August, Kingbirds are much in 

 evidence in farmyards and orchards. They are one 

 of the most noisy birds, always quarreling about some- 

 thing, and usually coming off victorious in whatever 

 they may undertake. Crows are objects of hatred to 

 them, and they always drive them from the neighbor- 

 hood, vigorously dashing upon and picking them from 

 above and often following them for a great distance. 

 They have their favorite perches from which they watch 

 for insects, usually a dead branch, a fence post, or a 

 tall stalk in the field. 



Note. — A series of shrill, harsh sounds like "thsee," 

 "thsee." 



Nest. — Of sticks, rootlets, grass, string, etc., placed 

 in orchard trees or open woods at any height. Four or 

 five creamy white eggs, specked and spotted with red- 

 dish brown (.95 x .70). 



Range. — Breeds from the Gulf to southern Canada. 



