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Arkansas Kingbird

The Western or Arkansas Kingbird is a very different bird from our eastern one in appearance. Its underparts, instead of being white, are yellowish and the back is gray instead of being slate-colored. This species is common west of the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Neither their natures nor their nesting habits differ materially from those of our common bird. The one shown in the illustration chose an eave-through in which to place her home; it certainly was on a secure foundation but she failed to reckon on the sun that was to shine on the nest for about eight Fig. 242. She fed and then stayed with them awhile, "zipping" loudly at the camera. Fig. 243. Too big for the nest, they clambered out on the limbs. hours of every pleasant day. She had to pay dearly for her lack of foresight, by standing over and shading her little ones during the greater part of each day.

Other Kingbirds, both the common and the western varieties, have been known to make their homes in bushes, on the tops of fence posts and even among the large branches that form the bulk of Osprey nests.