OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 27 



sition at these times, are highly commendable, and should 

 naturally waken in the bosoms of its most inveterate perse- 

 cutors, a generous sympathy in its behalf. It pursues the 

 even tenor of its life without the slightest manifestation of 

 that ugly jealous temper, which amatory influences are wont 

 to excite. 



During the breeding-season, it displays a pugnacity of 

 disposition, truly remarkable. The audacious boldness with 

 which it will attack superior strength, the pertinacity with 

 which it will continue the assault, and the reckless bravery 

 with which it will maintain the unequal struggle, should 

 command our admiration. Trie appellation of Kingbird is 

 given to it, on the supposition that it is superior to all other 

 birds, in these contests. Its attacks are mostly confined to 

 the larger birds, and are prompted by an instinctive desire of 

 self-preservation. Hens, Owls, Eagles, Crows, Grakles, 

 Jays, and others, are the ordinary objects of its vengeance. 

 The smaller birds, many of which are exceedingly mischiev- 

 ous, have either profited by bitter experience not to molest 

 the subject of the present sketch, or else have taken warn- 

 ing from the fate of others. 



We have often watched these attacks, and have been sur- 

 prised at the intrepidity with which a single individual would 

 pounce upon and harass a vastly superior enemy. Ever on 

 the alert, they are not slow to perceive an enemy's approach, 

 even daring to rush out, as if courting an encounter. In 

 these attacks, they will fly above their antagonist, pounce 

 down upon his back, which they speedily forsake for his 

 more exposed flanks, and only leaving them, to repeat the 

 same manoeuvres, with the most determined animosity. In 

 all these encounters, the Kingbird comes oft' victorious. The 

 Purple Martin is its implacable enemy. Its superior flight 

 and equal strength and courage, give it a decided advantage. 

 Audubon cites an instance in which the Kingbird was killed 

 in one of these encounters. Again, Wilson mentions a case. 

 of which he was an eye-witness, in which r/'ciis crythrocc- 



