Note.—A shrill “tzip,” “tzip,” similar to notes of [Kingbirds].
Nest.—Quite large; built of all kinds of trash, such as twigs, grasses, paper, rags, string, etc.; placed in any kind of a tree or bush and at any height. The four or five creamy white eggs are spotted with brown (.90 × .67).
Range.—Breeds from Texas north to Kansas; winters south of U. S.
KINGBIRD
444. Tyrannus tyrannus. 8½ inches.
Adults with a concealed orange crown patch; young with none. From the time of their arrival in May until they leave us in August, Kingbirds are much in evidence in farmyards and orchards. They are one of the most noisy birds, always quarreling about something, and usually coming off victorious in whatever they may undertake. [Crows] are objects of hatred to them, and they always drive them from the neighborhood, vigorously dashing upon and picking them from above and often following them for a great distance. They have their favorite perches from which they watch for insects, usually a dead branch, a fence post, or a tall stalk in the field.
Note.—A series of shrill, harsh sounds like “thsee,” “thsee.”
Nest.—Of sticks, rootlets, grass, string, etc., placed in orchard trees or open woods at any height. Four or five creamy white eggs, specked and spotted with reddish brown (.95 × .70).
Range.—Breeds from the Gulf to southern Canada.