BIRDS OF THE AIR. 255 



extended circles, chasing each other in sport, and even 

 caressing and feeding their mates while on the wing. A 

 little lower they are speeding over the tops of trees, 

 gleaning the insects that have just left the foliage ; over 

 the surface of the lake or river they fly so low, in the 

 pursuit of aquatic insects that their wings often touch 

 the water. Everywhere are they busy." 



THE KINGBIRD OR BEE-MARTIN. 



The true Flycatchers take all their food while it is 

 flying in the air, though they do not sail round, like a 

 Swallow, to catch it. They are commonly seated quietly 

 on their perch, and seize it by sallying out a few yards, 

 and then returning. If we watch the ways either of the 

 Kingbird or the Pewee, we shall observe this peculiar 

 habit of all the Flycatchers. One of the most common 

 • of our birds, well known by his lively manners, his shrill 

 notes, and twittering flight ; always apparently idle, sit- 

 ting on the branch of a tree as if he were a sentinel of 

 the field, is the Kingbird. From this branch you may 

 observe his frequent sallies when darting upon his prey. 

 You may often see him pursuing a Hawk or a Crow, and 

 annoying it by repeated attacks, always made in the 

 rear of his victim. His usual custom is to rise a little 

 above the object of his harassment, and then swoop down 

 in such a manner that the bird cannot turn upon him. 

 I have frequently seen him rise almost out of sight 

 when engaged in such encounters. His victim constantly 

 endeavors to rise above his pursuer, while the Kingbird by 

 his activity as invariably balks him. I could never deter- 

 mine which of the two was the first to tire. But the King- 

 bird may probably be relieved by another of his species 

 who may take his place. This pugnacious habit is said 

 to continue only during the breeding-season. 



