FLYCATCHERS 



(445) Tyrannus dominicensis 



(Cmel.) (Of St. Domingo). 



GRAY KINGBIRD. Slightly 

 larger than our comiilon Kinfibird 

 and the upper parts much grayer 

 as shown. Bill considerably larger. 

 Auriculars blackish. L., 9.00; W., 

 4.50; T., 4.00; B., 1. 00. Nest — 

 Of similar materials but more shabby 

 than that of the common Kingbird. 



Range — Bahamas and West In- 

 dies, north to S. Car., Ga., and Fla. 



(446) Tyrannus melanch6li= 



CUS COUChi Baird (Lat., melancholy). 



COUCH'S KINGBIRD. Similar 

 to the next species but outer web 

 of outer tail feather not white; 

 outer primaries abruptly emarginate 

 within half an inch of their tips. 

 Found in the Lower Rio Grande 

 Valley in southern Tex. 



roadsides or in pastures or fields; where trees are scarce, 

 they nest in bushes and sometimes on the tops of fence posts. 

 The eggs are bright cream-colored, handsomely spotted 

 with reddish-brown, these markings more profuse aljout the 

 large end. The nests and the eggs of this species are very 

 similar to and almost indistinguishable from those of Scissor- 

 tailed Flycatchers and Arkansas Kingbirds. 



Not only are they the terrors of all birds of prey, but their 

 bold assaults and noisy vociferations often deter the small 

 boy from robbing nests in the orchard. They will dash at 

 an intruder so fearlessly and determinedly as often to strike 

 his cap from his head. But this is as nothing compared to 

 the loud, shrill cries that they utter which are apt to bring 

 the owner out to investigate, and his chastisement is more 

 to be feared than that of the birds. If they are not molested, 

 the same birds return to the same localities each year, but 

 the males have to battle again for the favor of their partners; 

 they are exciting and noisy contests, but having once decided 

 who is master, they live at peace with one another and with 



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