Family Tyrannidce Kingbird 139 



The bird " may be recognized by its singular 

 notes one a harsh, explosive outcry of one sylla- 

 ble, pitched in a high key, and others sounded in 

 guttural tone two or three times all suggestive 

 of the bird's irritable and impulsive nature." 

 STEARNS AND COUES. Bicknell states that in July 

 and early August the voice nearly or quite fails, 

 and the note is single, faint, and somewhat mourn- 

 ful. In late July they attempt a return to the harsh 

 outcry of the early summer. 



79. KINGBIRD; BEE MARTIN 



( Tyran n us tyran n us . ) 



Upper parts blackish brown ; under parts white, somewhat tinged 

 with gray on the sides ; tail with white tip ; some of wing 

 feathers with white edgings ; crown with a yellow spot which 

 is ordinarily to be seen only by parting the feathers. Crown 

 feathers may be erected into a low crest. Beak broad, strong, 

 and black ; feet black. Bird about half way in size between a 

 sparrow and a robin. Sexes similar. 



THIS active and pugnacious bird may be found 

 in fields and along roadsides. He is commonly 

 perched on a post or low bough on the lookout for 

 insects. His sudden dart into the air or down to 

 the ground, followed by a return to the post of 

 observation, is extremely characteristic. Sometimes 

 one may even hear the click of the bill which an- 

 nounces the fate of the unhappy insect. He is 



