PERCHING BIRDS. 
The Flycatchers, (Family TZyzvannid~) number somewhat over 
three hundred and fifty species, and are found only in America, where 
they are most abundant in the tropics. Feeding almost exclusively on 
insects, those species which visit the United States are of necessity 
migratory, not more than half a dozen of the thirty species which nest 
with us, remaining in the United States during the winter, and these 
are found only on our southern borders. 
Flycatchers as a rule, capture their prey on the wing. When perch- 
ing, their pose is usually erect and hawk-like. They often raise their 
crown feathers, which in many species are somewhat lengthened, a 
habit giving them a certain big-headed appearance. 
Flycatchers are most useful birds. The food of the Kingbird, for 
example, a species which is erroneously believed to destroy honey bees, 
has been found to consist of 90 per cent. insects, mostly injurious spe- 
cies, while only fourteen out of two hundred and eighty-one stomachs 
contained the remains of honey bees; forty of the fifty bees found be- 
ing drones. 
The true Larks, (Family Alaudide) are chiefly Old World birds, the 
Skylark being the best known member of the Family. In America we 
have only the Horned or Shore Larks, one species of which shows so 
much climatic variation in color throughout its wide range, that no less 
than thirteen subspecies or geographical races of it are recognized in 
the United States. 
The Horned Lark is a bird of the plains and prairies and is less 
common in the Atlantic States than westward. Like the Skylark it 
sings in the air, but its vocal powers are limited and not to be com- 
pared with those of its famous relative. 
The Crows and Jays, (Family Corvidz) number about two hundred 
species of which some twenty-five inhabit the western hemisphere. 
To this family belong the Raven, Rook, Magpie and Jackdaw, all birds 
of marked intelligence; and our Crows and Jays are fully worthy of 
being classed with these widely known and distinguished members of 
their family. 
The Crows and Jays, by varying their food with the season, are rare- 
ly at loss for supplies of one kind or another and most species are repre- 
sented throughout their ranges at all times of the year. In the more 
northern parts of their homes, however, some of these birds are 
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