32 BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA AFFECTING FRUIT INDUSTRY. 
In all, the nest was observed for eight and one-half hours and 119 
feedings were noted, or an average of 14 feedings per hour. Both 
parent birds took part in the feeding until the female was unfortu- 
nately killed after the first hour of feeding on the morning of June 27. 
It will be noted that during this early hour more feedings were ob- 
served than at any other, and that at practically the same hour the 
next morning, June 28, the male bird alone was able to feed only 16 
times. However, the young did well, and left the nest that afternoon. 
As the day was about fourteen hours long when the above notes were 
taken, each of the young birds must have been fed about 49 times 
every day, or 196 insects in all. It is safe to say that the parents 
would eat enough more to bring the total up to 250. Several nests 
of this bird in an orchard would make quite a difference in the num- 
ber of insects surviving to propagate the next year’s supply. 
SUMMARY. 
From the foregoing it is evident that the ash-throat attacks no 
product of husbandry, but keeps up an incessant war upon insects. 
Of these it devours a vast number in the course of the year, mostly 
harmful species. This bird likes to reside in the vicinity of houses, 
gardens, and orchards. Let it be encouraged by all means. 
ARKANSAS KINGBIRD. 
(Tyrannus verticalis.) 
The Arkansas kingbird (P1. IT) inhabits the lower and warmer part 
of the State, mainly as a summer resident. It is not so domestic as 
its eastern relative, the common kingbird, and seems to prefer the 
hill country, with scattering oaks, rather than the orchard or the 
vicinity of towns or ranch buildings. 
For the investigation of the kingbird’s food 78 stomachs were 
available. Most- of them were taken from March to July inclusive, 
but a few in September, October, and December. The bird’s yearly 
food is made up of 87 percent of animal matter to 13 percent of 
vegetable. 
Animal food.—The animal food is composed of insects and a few 
bones of a batrachian (tree frog or salamander). Both the eastern 
and western kingbirds have been accused of destroying honey bees 
(Apis mellifera) to a harmful extent. It.is said that the birds linger 
about the hives and snap up the bees as they return home laden with 
honey. Remains of honey bees were searched for with special care, 
and were found to constitute 5 percent of the food. Thirty-one 
individuals were discovered in 5 stomachs. Of these, 29 were drones, 
or males, and 2 were workers. In 3 stomachs containing males there 
was no other food, and when it is borne in mind that there are thou- 
