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BULLETIN UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 



trol to better deserve the " Kingbird" appellation. The Tyrannidce, four 

 species of which were frequently observed^ held complete control 

 in the wood during this their hatching season, as was evident from the 

 fact that their nests were at times found close to those of Falconidce. 



For the purpose of securing an absolute identification of the eggs of 

 this species, at a time (June 19) when none had been determined with 

 certainty, a nest was found, both parents (Nos. 40 and 41) were secured, 

 and from such as contained them the embryos were removed entire and 

 preserved in alcohol. 



The nest was situated well up, and generally placed among the smaller 

 branches of a tree. Its materials were bits of sage {Artemisia) with 

 small twigs and tinier ones above ; rather rudely built below, but above 

 better and more compact, using buftalo-wool with fine rootlets and 

 threads to fasten it. As a piece of bird architecture or as a. comfort- 

 able home, it does not equal that of the Scissor-tail or of the Arkansas 

 Flycatcher {T. verticalis). The nests were circular, with an interior 

 diameter above of 3^ inches and a depth of 1^ inches, decidedly shallow, 

 compared with those of the two species just mentioned. 



Tyrannus verticalis, Ssij.—Arlcansas Flycatcher. 



Observed in greatest abundance upon the Palo Duro and White Fish 

 Creeks. This species was found frequenting all the streams flowing 

 down from the brink of the great plain and in the Indian Territory, 

 ia localities of a like altitude and possessing the same general char- 

 acteristics. None, however, were found along the Lower Tule, and 

 other places where the water was excessively alkaline. Whilst search- 

 ing for nests in a grove on the White Fish, I observed, upon a limb 

 well up, one of this species, on. which was sitting the mother bird. 

 At that moment, down toward it, with its graceful swoop, came a Spar- 

 row Hawk {F. sparveriuSj) which, from a distant tree, had been quietly 

 observing the spot, and taken its bearings for attack. Quick as a 



