100 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 
color that it is not easy to tell them apart, but a knowledge of 
their nesting habits will be helpful. None of them is classed 
as a singer. 
The Kingbird is the most abundant in our State and dur- 
ing the last two weeks of August thousands are seen in loose 
flocks along the Missouri River. Their movement is always 
down the river as though they had begun their southward migra- 
tion but were loitering by the way. As they fly from grove to 
grove some are racing and chasing and picking at their fellows in 
a playful mood; others sail over the water, occasionally swoop- 
ing down for a drink, which they always take on the wing; 
others are catching insects, and frequently one comes out of 
curiosity to inspect a passing boat. They remind one of a crowd 
of boys returning from school. Most of these Kingbirds, of 
course, are young and are migrating for the first time. If the 
weather remains mild doubtless their whole southward flight 
will be made in this way, as it is customary for birds that feed 
on the wing to migrate rather slowly by day and feed as they go. 
444. Kincpirp (Tyrannus tyrannus.) 
Sometimes called Bee Bird. Above, slate color, with a 
white margin across the end of the tail. Below, whitish. A 
reddish orange patch on the crown somewhat overlaid by longer 
feathers. The same in size and general habits as the Arkansas 
Kingbird. These two large Flycatchers are often seen in the 
same neighborhood. They frequent the vicinity of homes and 
barns where there are trees, and are exceedingly useful in kill- 
ing disease carrying flies, destroying robber flies, which are so 
harmful to bees, and driving away chicken eating Hawks. 
447. ARKANSAS KINGBIRD (Tyrannus verticalis.) 
More commonly called Arkansas Flycatcher. This bird is 
like the well known Kingbird in size, shape and general habits, 
but gray in color, with the outer tail feathers margined with 
white, and belly yellow. A reddish orange patch on the crown 
as in No. 444. Few of these birds are found in the extreme east- 
ern part of our State, but their numbers increase as one goes 
west, their range extending to the Pacific coast. 
