KING BIRD .— Tyrannus intrepidus. 
The family of the Flycatchers is a rather small, but interesting one. 
The well-known King Bird of America is a good example of the tyrant Fly- 
catchers, on account of their bold and combative habits. It fights every bird 
that dares to come near its nest ; and although it is only eight inches long, it will 
attack an eagle without the least fear. Wilson writes the following remarks on 
this bird and its mode of fighting : — 
“ Hawks and crows, the bald eagle and the great black eagle, all equally dread 
rencontre with this dauntless little champion, who, as soon as he perceives one 
these last a pproaching, launches into the air to meet him, mounts to a consi- 
derable height above him, and darts down upon his back, sometimes fixing there, 
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. 
“ There is one bird, however, which, by its superior rapidity of flight, is some- 
times more than a match for him; and I have several times witnessed his 
precipitous retreat before this active antagonist. This is the purple martin, one 
whose food and disposition is pretty similar to his own, but who has greatly the 
advantage of him on the wing, in eluding all his attacks, and teasing him as he 
pleases. I have also seen the red-hooded woodpecker, while clinging on a rail of 
the fence, amuse himself with the violence of the King Bird, and play bo-peep) 
with him round the rail, while the latter, highly irritated, made every attempt, as 
he swept from side to side, to strike him, but in vain. All this turbulence, how- 
ever, vanishes, as soon as his young are able to shift for themselves, and he is then 
as mild and peaceable as any other bird.” 
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