- Tyrannus tyrannus
- Kingbird King"bird, n. (Zo["o]l.)
1. A small American bird ({Tyrannus tyrannus}, or {Tyrannus
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 also {bee bird},
and {bee martin}. Several Southern and Western species of
{Tyrannus} are also called king birds.
[1913 Webster]
2. The king tody. See under {King}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
