MAY. 
133 
but as very little of this grain is raised in the Province^, we 
escape the ravages sustained by our less fortunate brother 
agriculturists in the south. There is a kindred species, 
hardly to be distinguished from this^ the Rusty Grakle 
( Quiscalus Ferrugineus J, visiting us about the same time ; 
it has many of the habits of its congener, assisting in the 
destruction of the corn, though not in such countless thou- 
sands as the other. A large proportion of the individuals of 
this species are of a rusty hue, but this is not found in the 
full-grown male. 
C, — There is a pretty bird with a black head, sitting on 
the topmost twig of that leafless bush just before us. 
F. — That is the notorious Kingbird f Miiscicapa Tyran^ 
nus J ; Si bird well known throughout this continent, and I 
believe respected, wherever he is known. He is a bird of 
the most undaunted courage : during the breeding season, 
no bird of prey of any kind, no matter what its size or 
strength may be, can approach his territory with impunity. 
He sallies forth on the wing, attacks the intruder with vigour, 
and makes even the kingly eagle retire from his premises. 
The plumage on the head is frequently erected, and then 
shows a rich bed of brilliant flame-colour, at other times 
concealed. Like the rest of the flycatchers, he fixes on a 
prominent station, like that occupied by the individual just 
observed, whence he watches all around for bees, flies, and 
other insects ; when he perceives his prey, he darts into the 
air, catches it with a snap, and instantly returns to his 
watch-post again. 
C His slate- coloured back, and white breast, are very 
becoming ; and his character is noble, as it appears to be 
in defence of his mate and young ones that all this courage is 
exerted. The service of banishing birds of prey more than 
compensates for the loss of a few bees. 
jp. — The Yellowbird f Fringilla T^'istis J has been in 
