122 THE WORLD'S BIRDS. 



habits they resemble Flycatchers or Shrikes, according 

 to their size, which varies a great deal ; many also, 

 such as the well-known American King-bird (Tyrannus 

 carolinensis) , domineer over other birds like the 

 Drongos. From the Old- World groups which they 

 resemble they may be distinguished by the scaling at 

 the back of the shank. They are usually olive or grey 

 in colour, and often have an orange or flame-coloured 

 crest, usually concealed in repose. In America they 

 are often called Flycatchers, as are Bee-eaters in 

 India. 



This is a group showing many forms. Some species 

 have legs of ordinary length and hop about, or search 

 for food on the ground, but the peculiarity of the shank 

 above alluded to will distinguish them from the Warblers 

 and Chats of the Old World. Their nesting-habits vary 

 a good deal. 



The above-mentioned King-bird is of the size of a 

 lark, slaty-black above, with concealed red crest, and 

 white below. In general shape and habits it is like a 

 Flycatcher. The Phcebe (Sayornis fuscus) is much like 

 our Common Flycatcher in size, form and habits, but 

 much darker in colour. Like the last, it is a common 

 and familiar bird, and a useful insect-destroyer. The 

 large species, as big as thrushes, and strong billed, 

 belonging to the genus Pitangus, are well known in 

 the warm parts of America as " Kiskadees," or " Ben- 

 tivis " from their characteristic cry. They eat small 

 vertebrates, as well as insects, and even catch fish, 

 and are found in gardens. The Sulphury Tyrant (P. 

 sulphuratus) is the only species of Tyrant which has 

 been at all freely imported into England alive. 



Wagtails (Motacillincz) are all small, about a Sparrow's 

 size, though their tails are often decidedly long ; have 

 slender bills of moderate length, and the hind-claw 

 long in some cases. The inner quills or tertiaries are 

 exceptionally long, as is the case in the Larks, which 



