148 



FAMILY-— TYRANNID^. TYRANT FLYCATCHERS. 



General Description. The Tyrant Flycatchers are moat easily recognized among 

 Canadian birds by their bills (Figure 43, p. 25) which are comparatively long, somewhat 

 flattened and broadened at the base, wider than high, and slightly hooked at the extreme 

 tip. 



Field Marks. Easily recognized in hfe by their characteristic habits and attitudes 

 which soon become famihar to the discerning observer. When perching they usually sit 

 in an upright attitude, quite stiU except for an occasional spasmodic jerking of the tail. 

 On observing a passing insect they dash out and capture it in the air with a nimble evolu- 

 tion and quick snap of the biU. 



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. 



443. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Muscivora forficata. L, 13 (about). (Tail, 9.) 

 This Flycatcher is an occasional wanderer within the borders of Canada, from sub- 

 tropical 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, spUt to a depth of 6 inches or more, which, 

 when the bird is at rest, opens and closes hke 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. 



444. Kingbird, bee martin, pr. — le mouchbrolle db la Caroline. 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 close 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 



