286 



CITIZEN BIRD 



far away, even if tliey are so big 



and fierce that he has to call 



his friends to help him ; so that 



the robber Crow or cannibal bird 



is lucky if he does not lose an eye 



before he escapes. 



'' But the Kingbird is not 

 quarrelsome — simply 

 very lively ; lie is 

 the very picture 

 of dash and dar- 

 ing in defending 

 his home, and when he is teaching 

 his youngsters how to fly. 



" Like other insect-eaters, he leaves the nortlierly 

 States before cold weather and journeys beyond the 

 United States for the winter. We always miss him 

 when he has swooped along tlie fence rail for tlie last 

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

 the flocks form for their lonof flio-ht." 



Kingbird 



The Kingbird 



Length eight inches — about the size of a Wood Thrush. 



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

 wliite 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 Suunner Citizen of the Uidted 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 Gronnd 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. 



