404 TYRANT FLY-CATCHER. 



watch the motions of different insects, deviate a httle from the course of 

 their playful rounds, and with a sweeping dart secure and swallow the 

 prey in an instant. Probably the next sees them perched on the twig of 

 a tree, close together, and answering the calls of nature. 



The choice of a place being settled by the happy pair, they procure 

 small dry twigs from the ground, and rising to a horizontal branch, ar- 

 rancfe them as the foundation of their cherished home. Flakes of cotton, 

 wool or tow, and other substances of a similar nature, are then placed in 

 thick and regular layers, giving great bulk and consistence to the fabric, 

 which is finally Uned with fibrous roots and horse-hair. The female then 

 deposits her eggs, which are from four to six in number, broadly ovate, 

 reddish- white, or blush colour, irregularly spotted with brown. No soon- 

 er has incubation commenced, than the male, full of ardour, evinces the 

 most daring courage, and gallantly drives off every intruder. Perched 

 on a twig not far from his beloved mate, in order to protect and defend 

 her, he seems to direct every thought and action to these objects. His 

 snow-white breast expands with the warmest feelings ; the feathers of his 

 head are raised and spread, the bright orange spot laid open to the rays 

 of the sun ; he stands firm on his feet, and his vigilant eye glances over 

 the wide field of vision around him. Should he spy a Crow, a Vulture, 

 a Martin, or an Eagle, in the neighbourhood or at a distance, he spreads 

 his wings to the air, and pressing towards the dangerous foe, approaches 

 him, and commences his attack with fury. He mounts above the enemy, 

 sounds the charge, and repeatedly plunging upon the very back of his 

 more powerful antagonist, essays to secure a hold. In this manner, ha- 

 rassing his less active foe with continued blows of his bill, he follows him 

 probably for a mile, when, satisfied that he has done his duty, he gives 

 his wings their usual quivering motion, and returns exulting and elated 

 to his nest, triUing his notes all the while. 



Few Hawks will venture to approach the farm-yard while the King 

 Bird is near. Even the cat in a great measure remains at home ; and, 

 should she appear, the little warrior, fearless as the boldest Eagle, plun- 

 ges towards her, with such rapid and violent motions, and so perplexes 

 her with attempts to peck on all sides, that grimalkin, ashamed of herself, 

 returns discomfited to the house. 



The many eggs of the poultry which he saves from the plundering 

 Crow, the many chickens that are reared under his protection, safe from 

 the clutches of the prowling Hawks, the vast number of insects which he 



