THE TYRANT T^LY-CATCHER. 
117 
are peculiar to America^ and are furnished with a long; 
straight; strong bill ; the ridge of the upper mandible flat; 
and the point hooked. Many of the species have yellow or red 
feathers on the crown of the head; which are often invisible 
when the birds are resting. The American Ornithologist 
has described; in his usual spirited manner; the habits of the 
common North American species. This bird; which is ge- 
nerally known in the United States as the King-bird, during 
the time of breeding attacks every intruder who ventures to 
go near its nest and young. In the months of May, June, 
and part of July;''^ says WilsoU; his life is one continued 
scene of broils and battleS; in which however he generally 
comes off the conqueror. Hawks and crows, the bald eagle 
and the great black eaglC; all equally dread a rencontre 
with this dauntless little champion ; whO; as soon as he per- 
ceives one of these last approaching; launches into the air to 
meet him; mounts to a considerable height above him; and 
darts down on his back; sometimes fixing therC; to the great 
annoyance of his sovereign; whO; if no convenient retreat or 
resting-place be near; endeavours by various evolutions to 
rid himself of his merciless adversary.''^ In this way he con- 
tinues his attack; sometimes for more than a milC; till he 
is released by another fly-catcher equally eager to follow up 
