Word Study
kingbird
CIDE DICTIONARY
kingbird, n.
- A small American bird (
Tyrannus tyrannus , orTyrannus Carolinensis ), noted for its courage in attacking larger birds, even hawks and eagles, especially when they approach its nest in the breeding season. It is a typical tyrant flycatcher, taking various insects upon the wing. It is dark ash above, and blackish on the bead and tail. The quills and wing coverts are whitish at the edges. It is white beneath, with a white terminal band on the tail. The feathers on the head of the adults show a bright orange basal spot when erected. Called alsobee bird , andbee martin . Several Southern and Western species ofTyrannus are also called king birds. [1913 Webster] - The king tody. See under King. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
kingbird, n. any flycatcher of the genus Tyrannus, with olive-grey plumage and long pointed wings.
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