So THE AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 



small, has gained for the species the name, Kingbird. According 

 to some farmers the bee-martin, another of the Kingbird's names, 

 is destructive of the life of bees. This is an over-statement of the 

 case, however, for the number of bees taken by any Kingbird is 

 comparatively small, and not sufficient to warrant shooting the 

 birds. Like all of the flycatchers, the Kingbird bathes by dipping 

 into the water. As it flies over the surface of a lake, the bird may 

 dip several times, or it ma}" fly from a perch, dip, and return to the 

 perch again. 



Least Flycatcher. 



Empidonax miniv.ius 

 This species is somewhat rare in our locality, and fevv individuals 

 are found nesting here. It is more common in spring and autumn, 

 when the birds may be seen perched on v/ire fences near road-sides. 

 In many ways the Least Flycatcher is an under-study of the - 

 Phoebe. Like this species it moves its tail when at rest, and also 

 choose similar places to perch. In movements, however, the Least 

 Flycatcher is more active than the Phoebe. Another species 

 that the Least Flycatcher closely resembles in appearance is the 

 Alder Flycatcher, and even an experienced observer can hardly 

 tell the two species apart, unless he hears the notes, which are 

 quite distinctive. They are both about the same size, and their 

 markings are indistinguishable even with field glasses. 



Acadian Flycatcher. 

 Empidonex viresccns 

 This is a bird of deep woods, where its note may be heard, but 

 without usually seeing the singer. It loves the most secluded places 

 in the very depths of the woods where the growth of small trees is 

 thickest. Only a practised observer can readily see the bird, and 

 then only as it flits to and fro flycatching. This is undoubtedly 

 one of the most elusive of our birds, and few amateur bird students 

 seem to find its habitat. 



Yellow-hellied Flycatcher. 

 Empidonax jiavivcntris 

 Tlie rarest of our flycatchers is the yellow-billed. Usually late 

 in May a few individuals are seen by the keenest observers, and 

 even they occasionally m.iss it altogether. In autumn it passes 

 more rapidly south, and fevv records are made of this species by 

 any bird students. I have never made a single record myself in 

 autumn. 



