Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 



The nest is usually larger than that of the preceding species 

 and is less ragged ; it is often placed at a greater height from the 

 ground; the material used is about the same. 2 to 5, very rarely 

 7, greenish-blue eggs are laid (it is probable that where sets of 7 

 are found they were laid by two birds) ; they are rather darker than 

 those of the yellow-billed cuckoo, and are without any gloss. 

 Size — 1.14 X .80. 



The Black-billed Cuckoo may be identified by its black bill, 

 and by the fact that the tail is the same colour as the back and 

 is tipped with white. The nesting habits of this and the preced- 

 ing species are very similar. The black-billed commences laying 

 about two weeks earlier. Both birds will desert their nest upon 

 small provocation, and will not as a rule allow of a near approach 

 while sitting. In exceptional cases cuckoo's (both yellow and 

 black-billed) eggs are found in the nests of other birds. 



There is some doubt as to whether they destroy the eggs of 

 small birds ; it is quite possible that they do so, but 1 have never 

 seen any evidence of it, and, with Dr. Shufeldt, I am inclined to 

 discredit such stories. 



444. Kingbird : Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.) 



Adult — Upper parts dull grayish slate colour; entire head much 

 darker, with concealed crest of bright orange ; tail tipped 

 with white; under parts white. Length — 8.51. 



Breeding Range — Throughout the Eastern States. 



The nest is usually placed in a fruit tree near the end of a 

 branch, at from six to twenty-five feet of the ground. It is a 

 fairly well-made structure of weeds, grass, moss, fine roots, strips 

 of grape-vine bark, leaves, string, and catkins, lined with thin strips 

 of bark and horse hair. The number of eggs varies from 3 to 5, 

 5 being a common number; they are creamy white, sparsely 

 spotted and blotched with blackish or chestnut brown and light 

 lilac gray; there are great variations both in size, colour, and 

 markings. Average size — .98 x .72. See Fig. 4, Plate D. 



These somewhat pugnacious birds may be found in the more 

 open country and orchards ; their peculiar flight and white-tipped 

 tail render them easy of identification. In most places they ire 

 very common, several nests being often found in a single orchard. 



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