Nests in Trees, Bushes, or Vines 
The nest is usually larger than that of the preceding species 
and is less ragged; it is often placed at a greater height from the 
ground; the material used is about the same. 2 to 5, very rarely 
7, greenish-blue eggs are laid (it is probable that where sets of 7 
are found they were laid by two birds); they are rather darker than 
those of the yellow-billed cuckoo, and are without any gloss. 
Size—1.14 x .80. 
The Black-billed Cuckoo may be identified by its black bill, 
and by the fact that the tail is the same colour as the back and 
is tipped with white. The nesting habits of this and the preced- 
ing species are very similar. The black-billed commences laying 
about two weeks earlier. Both birds will desert their nest upon 
small provocation, and will notas a rule allow of a near approach 
while sitting. In exceptional cases cuckoo’s (both yellow and 
black-billed) eggs are found in the nests of other birds. 
There is some doubt as to whether they destroy the eggs of 
small birds; it is quite possible that they do so, but I have never 
seen any evidence of it, and, with Dr. Shufeldt, | am inclined to 
discredit such stories. 
444. Kingbird: Tyrannus tyrannus (Linn.) 
Adult—Upper parts dull grayish slate colour; entire head much 
darker, with concealed crest of bright orange; tail tipped 
with white; under parts white. Length—8.51. 
Breeding Range—Throughout the Eastern States. 
The nest is usually placed in a fruit tree near the end of a 
branch, at from six to twenty-five feet of the ground. It is a 
fairly well-made structure of weeds, grass, moss, fine roots, strips 
of grape-vine bark, leaves, string, and catkins, lined with thin strips 
of bark and horse hair. The number of eggs varies from 3 to 5, 
5 being a common number ; they are creamy white, sparsely 
spotted and blotched with blackish or chestnut brown and light 
lilac gray; there are great variations both in size, colour, and 
markings. Average size—.98 x .72. See Fig. 4, Plate D. 
These somewhat pugnacious birds may be found in the more 
open country and orchards; their peculiar flight and white-tipped 
tail render them easy of identification. In most places they are 
very common, several nests being often found in a single orchard. 
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