240 
above, especially on head; white on throat, and white below instead of grey and 
sulphur-yellow. 
Field Marks. A large black and white Flycatcher, inhabiting the open spaces. The 
orange crown patch is rarely seen in life. The head and white-tipped tail appear to be 
dead black in strong contrast with the pure white front and underparts. 
Nesting. Nest, a well-built structure of weed stalks, grasses, and waste vegetation, 
lined with plant down, rootlets, and fine grasses, in bushes or trees. Nests commonly in 
orchards and shrubbery, near cultivated fields. It is partial to the vicinity of water. 
Distribution. North and South America. Throughout southern Canada. Rare on 
Vancouver island. 
The Kingbird is a familiar species, coming close around houses and 
orchards, and the presence of a pair nesting nearby is one of the best 
preventives of the depredations of Hawks or Crows. None comes anywhere 
near the Kingbirds’ home without being vigorously challenged. The 
Kingbird flies at the intruders with an energy that is surprising in so small 
and weak a bird. It cannot do them any real harm, but it plagues them 
mightily and its outcries give wide notice of the affair. Owing to its small 
size and agility in the air, it can strike a large enemy from any quarter, 
and is practically safe from counter attacks from anything heavier and 
less agile. 
It is amusing to see a great Crow or Hawk dodge its attack for a moment, 
and then make the best speed possible from the uncomfortable neighbour- 
hood. After driving the intruder as far as it sees fit, and demonstrating 
its pre-eminence within its own territory, it comes back chattering with 
excited triumph and, with a flirt of tail, resumes its isolated outlook on some 
upstanding twig, as if to await the applause of its mate and the surrounding 
community. Withal, the Kingbird is a charming fellow to have about. 
It may be something of a braggart and a swashbuckler, but with a grace 
and naturalness that disarm criticism. Certainly, the defence of hearth 
and home, especially when it assists in guarding the property of others, is 
not very reprehensible — even though unaccompanied by modesty. 
Economic Status. The name Kingbird is of obvious application, but 
the other term applied to it, “Bee Martin,” naturally raises suspicion as 
to its feeding habits. It is accused of catching honey bees, and most 
circumstantial accounts of its doing so are given credence. The record 
given below shows that the charge of taking bees is to some extent true, 
but it shows also that the bees caught are mainly drones that can well be 
spared. The old story of the Kingbird opening its brilliant crest to decoy 
the bee within reach, under the impression that it is a flower, may be dis- 
missed as groundless folk-lore, though it has received wide circulation and 
acceptation. Of 624 Kingbirds’ stomachs examined by the United States 
Department of Agriculture in 1911, 22 contained a total of 61 bees — 51 
of which were drones, 8 workers, and 2 were indeterminate. The remain- 
der of the food consists of other insects, including many noxious forms and 
a little wild fruit and berries. 
445. Grey Kingbird. Tyrannus dominicensis. L, 9. like a Kingbird but 
lighter, ashy above rather than blackish, and underwing and tail coverts faintly 
yellowish. 
Distinctions. Somewhat intermediate in colour between Kingbird and Arkansas 
Kingbird, but nearer the former. Bill very thick and swollen and tail only lightening at 
tip instead of with sharply defined white band. Slightly yellow underwings and tail. 
Field Marks. Too rare in Canada to be identified by sight. 
