THE TYRANT FLYCATCHER-KING BIRD. 205 



The Field Martin arrives in Louisiana, from the south, about the middle 

 of March. Many individuals remain until the middle of September, but the 

 greater number proceed gradually northwards, and are dispersed over every 

 portion of the United States. For a few days after its arrival, it seems fa- 

 tigued and doleful, and remains perfectly silent. But no sooner has it re- 

 covered its naturally lively spirits, than its sharp tremulous cry is heard over 

 the fields, and along the skirts of all our woods. It seldom enters the forests, 

 but is fond of orchards, large fields of clover, the neighbourhood of rivers, 

 and the gardens close to the houses of the planters. In this last situation its 

 habits are best observed. 



Its flight has now assumed a different manner. The love-season is at hand. 

 The male and female are seen moving about through the air, with a continu- 

 ed quivering motion of their wings, at a height of twenty or thirty yards 

 above the ground, uttering a continual, tremulous, loud shriek. The male 

 follows in the wake of the female, and both seem panting for a suitable place 

 in which to form their nest. Meanwhile, they watch the motions of differ- 

 ent insects, deviate a little from the course of their playful rounds, and with 

 a sweeping dart secure and swallow the prey in an instant. Probably the 

 next sees them perched on the twig of a tree, close together, and answering 

 the calls of nature. 



The choice of a place being settled by the happy pair, they procure small 

 dry twigs from the ground, and rising to a horizontal branch, arrange them 

 as the foundation of their cherished home. Flakes of cotton, wool or tow, 

 and other substances of a similar nature, are then placed in thick and regular 

 layers, giving great bulk and consistence to the fabric, which is finally lined 

 with fibrous roots and horse-hair. The female then deposits her eggs, which 

 are from four to six in number, broadly ovate, reddish-white, or blush colour, 

 irregularly spotted with brown. No sooner has incubation commenced, than 

 the male, full of ardour, evinces the most daring courage, and gallantly drives 

 off every intruder. Perched on a twig not far from his beloved mate, in 

 order to protect and defend her, he seems to direct every thought and action 

 to these objects. His snow-white breast expands with the warmest feelings; 

 the feathers of his head are raised and spread, the bright orange spot laid 

 open to the rays of the sun; he stands firm on his feet, and his vigilant eye 

 glances over the wide field of vision around him. Should he espy a Crow, a 

 Vulture, a Martin, or an Eagle, in the neighbourhood or at a distance, he 

 spreads his wings to the air, and pressing towards the dangerous foe, ap- 

 proaches him, and commences his attack with fury. He mounts above the 

 enemy, sounds the charge, and repeatedly plunging upon the very back of 

 his more powerful antagonist, essays to secure a hold. In this manner, ha- 

 rassing his less active foe with continued blows of his bill, he follows him 



Vol. I. 31 



