288 
PASSERIFORMES 
Economic Status. Their food consists almost entirely of insects, 
caught on the wing, for capturing of which the broad bill is well adapted. 
As they take most of their food in the air near the ground they catch varieties 
of insects not taken by other birds. The species found in their stomachs 
include beetles, flies, wasps, crane-flies, ants, grasshoppers, tent-caterpillars, 
and moths. Indeed, nearly all the harmful species of insects are found in 
their crops and the group must be classed as highly beneficial birds. 
444. Eastern Kingbird, bee martin, le thitri. Tyrannus tyrannus. L, 8*51. 
Plate XLII A. A large, dark grey (almost black) and white flycatcher. 
Distinctions. The black and white coloration, orange crown patch, showing in 
moments of excitement, and the black tail tipped with white, as if dipped in white paint, 
are unmistakable. Likely to be confused only with the Arkansas Kingbird, but blacker 
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. 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 kingbird’s 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 
neighbourhood. After driving the intruder as far as it sees fit, and demon- 
strating 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 sur- 
rounding 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 arouses 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 
