19 



KING-BIRD. 



{Tryaniius Carolinensis.) 

 We liave now arrived at the monarch of birds, which 

 indeed he is, being able to put the largest birds to 

 flight, even bossing the eagle when he chances to meet 

 one. When any large bird, such as a crow or hawk 

 comes near to his nest or dwelling place he mounts up 

 into the air and commences a severe and pugilistic at- 

 tack by a series of sharp pecks upon the head of his 

 enemy, which is always driven away by his small an- 

 tagonist. The king-bird belongs to the fly-catcher 

 family, and is very expert in the business, flying through 

 the air and catching them on the wing. The bill is 

 covered with a number of short thick bristles, which 

 entangles his prey. The plumage above is black, and 

 below a dull white: upon the head is a crest of orange, 

 red and vermilion, but it is never seen except when 

 raised. The nest is placed in orchard trees generally, 

 composed of coarse material. Eggs, four or five, cream 

 color, spotted with rich brown and lilac. 



{Myiarchus Cri7iitiis.) 

 As the name indicates, the chief feature of this bird 

 is the crest which it bears. The plumage is dull brown, 

 and the only song is a sharp whistle which it utters 

 repeatedly. It may often be seen among the topmost 

 branches of the evergreen trees in search of flies and 

 other insects which it catches with great dexterity. 

 The nest is placed in trees, and occasionally in fence 

 corners. Eggs yellowish, beautifully streaked with 

 brown. 



