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The Flycatchers are one of the most difficult families to identify- 

 specifically. Some of them are strongly characterized, but of the com- 

 monest ones, several species are so nearly alike as to puzzle the experienced 

 ornithologist when they are silent or not in normal habitats. In identifying 

 them in life, attention should be paid to their notes. These and the type 

 of habitat in which they are observed are good guides to differentiation in 

 the case of the more puzzling species. 



Economic Status. Their food consists almost entirely of insects, 

 caught on the wing, for which the broad bill is well adapted. As they take 

 most of their food in the air near the ground they catch varieties of insects 

 not taken by other birds. The species found in their stomachs include 

 beetles, flies, wasps, crane-flies, ants, grasshoppers, tent-caterpillars, and 

 moths. Indeed, nearly all the harmful species of insects are found in their 

 crops and they must be classed as highly beneficial. 



Genus — Muscivora. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. 



443. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, fr. — la moucherolle a queue en ciseaux. 

 Muscivora forficata. L, 13 (about). (Tail, 9.) This Flycatcher is an occasional wanderer 

 within the borders of Canada, from subtropical America. It is unmistakable — a light, 

 ash-coloured bird about the size of a Kingbird, with darker wings, scarlet or orange cap 

 and the same colour under the wings, and with a great tail 8 to 9 inches long, split to a 

 depth of 6 inches or more, which, when the bird is at rest, opens and closes like a pair of 

 scissors. Strangely enough one of our best authenticated records comes from York Factory 

 on Hudson bay. With this record before us, it is difficult to state positively what species 

 may or may not be found anywhere in Canada. 



Genus — Tyrannus. Kingbirds. 



444. Kingbird, bee martin, fr. — le moucherolle de la Caroline, le tritri. 

 Tyrannus tyrannus. L, 8-51. Plate XXII B. 



Distinctions. The black and white coloration, orange crown-patch showing in moments 

 of excitement, and the black tail conspicuously tipped with white as if dipped in white 

 paint. 



Field Marks. Easily recognized in life by the above marks. The orange crown, 

 however, is rarely seen. In life, the head and tail appear to be dead black in colour in 

 strong contrast to the pure white below. 



Nesting. In trees, 5 to 40 feet above the ground; the nest a well-built structure of 

 weed stalks, grasses, and waste vegetation lined with plant-down, rootlets, and fine grasses. 

 The fact that the bird not uncommonly nests in orchards and near cultivated fields is much 

 in its favour. 



Distribution. North America north to near tree limits. Breeds in Canada wherever 

 found. 



The Kingbird is a familiar species, coming close around houses and 

 orchards, and the presence of a pair nesting near by is one of the best 

 preventives of the depredations of Hawks or Crows. None come anywhere 

 near the Kingbird's home, without being vigorously challenged. The 

 Kingbird flies at the intruders with an energy that is surprising in so 

 small and weak a bird. It cannot do them any real harm, but drives them 

 away and its outcries give wide notice of the impending danger. Owing to 

 its small size and agility in the air, it can attack a large enemy from any 

 quarter and is practically safe from counter attacks from anything heavier 

 and less agile. 



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