FLYCATCHERS 255 



bird's pluck by flying a kite directly over a tree containing 

 the nest. As the kingbird approached the kite the observer 

 gradually pulled the cord until the pursuer was almost upon 

 the object, then suddenly released the cord, and the king- 

 bird, unable to check his flight, went head first through the 

 paper covering. This unexpected experience completely 

 outwitted the saucy flycatcher, which withdrew from the 

 scene. 



These birds subsist entirely upon insect life, frequently 

 living about the habitations of man. Farmers are inclined 

 to kill these birds because they destroy bees. Examinations 

 made by several of our Government experts disclose the fact 

 that, of the bees consumed by the kingbird, ninety-eight per 

 cent are drones. The bird is usually after the moths which 

 infest the hives; it is, therefore, a friend of the bee-keeper; 

 it is, in fact, one of our most useful birds and deserves full 

 protection. It is interesting to watch it dash after passing 

 insects, snapping them up and returning to same perch, 

 usually a dead limb. 



The nests are bulky, composed of hay, twine, vegetable 

 do\^^l, and any soft substance available. The lining is of 

 finer material. Often the nests are placed in fruit or shade 

 trees, at comparatively low elevations. Three to five 

 creamy-white eggs, handsomely speckled with lilac and pur- 

 ple, are laid. 



ARKANSAS KINGBIRD 



The Arkansas Kingbird, a handsomer species than our 

 common kingbird, inhabits the United States from Kansas 

 westward to California. Unlike our eastern species, it does 



