TYRANTS. 129 



The typical form of this sub-family is — 



The Blue-beaked Alectrure {Fluvicola cyanirostrls) 



Snb-Fajiiily III. 



THE TYRANTS. TYRANNIN^. 



General Characteristics. — Bill more or less long, broad, and depressed at the 

 base, and the sides gradually compressed to the tip, which is hooked and emar- 

 ginated ; the gape sometimes furnished with long and strong bristles ; the nostrils 

 basal, with the opening small, usually rounded, and hidden by the projecting 

 feathers and bristles ; the wings more or less long, and generally pointed ; the tail 

 moderate, and sometimes emarginated ; the tarsi short and covered with broad 

 scales ; the toes generally rather short, the outer longer than the inner, and united 

 at the base, the hind toe moderate and padded beneath ; the claws rather short and 

 very acute. 



The birds which constitute the typical sub-family of the Fly- 

 catchers are generally seen sitting on trees, or on some prominent 

 place, watching the approach of any insect rover, in pursuit of 

 which they make a sweep, and having seized it, return to the 

 same perch. It is not uncommon to see them take post on a 

 twig overhanging water, into which they will dive repeatedly, and 

 then remain for some time quiet, to dry and dress their plumage 

 in the sun. They also prey on small fish and reptiles, and occa- 

 sionally feed upon berries. Their flight is quick and rapid, and 

 they may sometimes be observed hovering over the fields and 

 rivers, as if watching for their food, which having espied, they 

 secure by a sudden swoop. Some of the species are remarkable 

 for their courage, especially during the breeding season. Should 

 a crow, hawk, or even an eagle approach their nest, they launch 

 into the air, mount to a considerable height above him, and dart 

 down on his back, sometimes to the great annoyance of the in- 

 truder, who endeavours by various evolutions to rid himself of 

 his Liliputian adversary. The nest is built in trees, at no great 

 height from the ground ; exteriorly it is composed of twigs, well 

 woven together with tow and wool, and lined with dry fibres, 

 grass, and horsehair. Some species collect together in the hollow 

 of a tree loose hay, feathers of birds, hogs' bristles, pieces of cast- 

 off snakes' skins, and dogs' hair. The eggs are usually four or five 

 in number. 



The hero of this sub-family — 



9 



