122 THE KING-BIRD. 



out he sallies, and rises high in the air. Then he 

 drops suddenly down on the Eagle's back. 



The royal bird, surprised to find himself thus 

 attacked, makes efforts to get rid of the burden. 

 He wheels about, and tries by turns and swoops 

 to shake off his rider. But the Fly-catcher sits 

 firm, and rises only to descend again with greater 

 violence. By his shrill cries and tormenting 

 attacks he drives the Eagle far away from the 

 nest. 



The birds cannot be expected to feel any great 

 liking for such a resolute little tyrant. The King- 

 Bird is not at all popular among his feathered 

 companions ; and now and then the tables are 

 turned. 



There is a pretty kind of Swallow, called the 

 Purple Martin, that is a match for him. The 

 wings of the Martin can bear him farther, and 

 are stronger and swifter, than those of the Fly- 

 catcher. He can elude all his attacks, and curve, 

 and sweep, or dart, keeping safe out of his way, 

 and yet provoking him into a rage. 



A pair of Martins once built in the same tree 



