KING-BIRD, OR TYRANT FLYCATCHER. 269 
Hawk, surveying the ground or herbage for grasshoppers, 
which are a favorite diet. At other times, they may be 
observed in small companies flickering over still waters in 
the same employment, the gratification of appetite. Now 
and then, during the heat of summer, they are seen to 
dip and bathe, in the watery mirror, and with this wash- 
ing, drying, and pluming, they appear to be both gratified 
and amused. During the season of their sojourn, the 
pair are often seen moving about in company, with a 
rapid quivering of the wings, and a continued tremulous 
shrieking twitter. Their energetic and amusing mo- 
tions are most commonly performed in warm and fine 
weather, and continue, with little interruption, until to- 
wards the close of August. 
One of the most remarkable traits in the character of 
the King-bird is the courage and affection which he dis- 
plays for his mate and young ; for on his first arrival he 
is rather timid, and readily dodges before the Swallow 
and Purple Martin. Indeed at this season I have seen 
the spotted Sandpiper* drive away a pair of King-birds, 
because they happened to approach the premises of her 
nest. But he now becomes, on this important occasion, so 
tenacious of his rights as readily to commence the attack 
against all his feathered enemies, and he passes several 
months of the summer in a scene of almost perpetual con- 
test, and not overrating his hostile powers, he generally 
finds means to come off with impunity. Eagles, Hawks, 
Crows, Jays, and in short every bird which excites his 
suspicion, by their intentional or accidental approach, are 
attacked with skill and courage ; he dives upon the heads 
and backs of the larger intruders, who become so annoy- 
ed and tormented as willingly to make a precipitate re- 
treat. He pursues his foes sometimes for a mile ; and at 
* Totanas macularius. 
23 * 
