The Western Kingbird 
by these attentions rather of a frolicsome puppy than of a zealous guard¬ 
ian of the peace. Those who have been most honored by their presence 
year after year claim that the birds become fond of certain members of 
the family, and allow a familiarity in nest inspection which would be 
shriekingly resented in the case of strangers. 
One can readily guess a utilitarian consideration in favor of ranch 
life, viz., the greater variety and abundance of insects afforded. Of 
these the Kingbirds enjoy a practical monopoly by reason of their con¬ 
fidence in man. They are fond of flies, moths, butterflies, crickets, 
winged ants, and all that sort of thing. Moreover, they eat bees. But, 
—[Hold on, Mr. Rancher! Don’t grab that shot-gun and begin mur¬ 
dering Kingbirds] they eat only drones. A prominent bee-keeper, Mr. 
A. Barnett, in San Diego County, was curious on this point and dissected 
over a hundred specimens of Western Kingbirds and Phoebes, using a 
microscope in the examination of stomach contents. The birds had 
been shot about the apiaries, where they had been seen darting upon 
and catching bees. Although many of the birds were gorged, no working 
bees were found, only drones. This is an important distinction to bear 
in mind, for the reduction of drones is unqualifiedly beneficial. And when 
one stops to think of it, it is absurd to suppose that a bird could swallow 
bees, stings and all, with impunity. 
But the real secret of Kingbird’s attachment for mankind is not 
discovered until we see his nest. It is our strings which have won his 
heart. Whatever else the nest may or may not contain, it is sure to have 
Taken in Kern County 
Photo by the Author 
THE KINGBIRD’S REALM 
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