FLYCATCHERS 



(447) Tyrannus verticalis Say 



(Lat., vertex, relating to the flame-patch 

 on the top of the head). 



ARKANSAS KINGBIRD; 

 WESTERN KINGBIRD. Ads.— 

 Plumage as shown. Sexes alike, both 

 having the concealed orange-red 

 crown-patch. Immature birds are 

 quite similar but lack this adorn- 

 ment. Notice that the outer webs 

 of the outer tail feathers are white; 

 this is the most infallible distin- 

 guishing mark between this species 

 and the preceding, and also from 

 Cassin's Kingbird which is found 

 still farther west. Several outer 

 primaries are gradually attenuated 

 for an inch or more from their tips. 

 L., g.oo; W., 5.00; T., 4.00; B., .75. 



Range — From Sask. and B. C. 

 southward; casually east Wis. and 

 Mo. Accidental in eastern states. 



Other smaller birds, but are ever ready to join forces and 

 battle against a common enemy. 



There is believed to be little foundation for the name of 

 "Bee Martin, " applied to them chiefly by owners of apiaries. 

 They de^'0ur comparatively few bees and those that have 

 been found in their stomachs were invariably drones. Dur- 

 ing fall, their regular diet is augmented by that of numerous 

 kinds of berries. 



ARKANSAS KINGBIRDS are the common species of 

 the region from the Great Plains to the Pacific coast. If 

 possible they are even more noisy than our eastern birds, 

 their notes being louder, shriller and more metallic. They 

 appear to distinguish the kinds of hawks and are more 

 tolerant toward some than others. Instances have been 

 recorded of their having built their nests among the outer 

 sticks of a Swainson's Hawk's home. They are more 

 socialjle with human beings too, and it is no uncommon 

 occurrence for them to make their domiciles in eave-troughs, 

 cornices, or on blinds or window sills of houses. 



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