100 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 



color that it is not easy to tell them apart, but a. knowledge of 

 their nesting habits will be helpful. None of them is classed 

 as a singer. 



The Kingbird is the most abundant in our State and dur- 

 ing the last two weeks of August thousands are seen in loose 

 flocks along the Missouri River. Their movement is always 

 down the river as though they had begun their southward migra- 

 tion but were loitering by the way. As they fly from grove to 

 grove some are racing and chasing and picking at their fellows in 

 a playful mood; others sail over the water, occasionally swoop- 

 ing down for a drink, which they always take on the wing; 

 others are catching insects, and frequently one comes out of 

 curiosity to inspect a passing boat. They remind one of a crowd 

 of boys returning from school. Most of these Kingbirds, of 

 course, are young and are migrating for the first time. If the 

 weather remains mild doubtless their whole southward flight 

 will be made in this way, as it is customary for birds that feed 

 on the wing to migrate rather slowly by day and feed as they go. 



444. Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus.) 



Sometimes called Bee Bird. Above, slate color, with a 

 white margin across the end of the tail. Below, whitish. A 

 reddish orange patch on the crown somewhat overlaid by longer 

 feathers. The same in size and general habits as the Arkansas 

 Kingbird. These two large Flycatchers are often seen in the 

 same neighborhood. They frequent the vicinity of homes and 

 barns where there are trees, and are exceedingly useful in kill- 

 ing disease carrying flies, destroying robber flies, which are so 

 harmful to bees, and driving away chicken eating Hawks. 



447. Arkansas Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis.) 



More commonly called Arkansas Flycatcher. This bird is 

 like the well known Kingbird in size, shape and gerieral habits, 

 but gray in color, with the outer tail feathers margined with 

 white, and belly yellow. A reddish orange patch on the crown 

 as in No. 444. Few of these birds are found in the extreme east- 

 ern part of our State, but their numbers increase as one goes 

 west, their range extending to the Pacific coast. 



