Ryan Peltier, age 9, of Baltimore, Md., for his quesiton:

HOW DID THE KINGBIRD GET ITS NAME?

The kingbird is a member of the flycatcher family. It makes its home in all parts of the United States except the Southwest, and also lies is southern Canada. The kingbird gets its name from the way it attacks and drives off other birds, especially crows and hawks.

The kingbird attacks mainly during the breeding season, to protect its nest, mate and young. It attacks other birds furiously in the air and makes them change course.

The eastern kingbird is black above, with white tipped feathers and white under parts. It has a patch of bright orange red feathers on top of its black head.

The kingbird is helpful to farmers because it eats so many insects.

The kingbird is also sometimes called the bee martin. This other name comes from its fondness for bees. There are six different kinds of kingbirds found in the United States.

Flycatcher is the name of two families of birds that catch flies and other insects in the air. The birds close their bills with sharp, clicking sounds.

Nesting habits of kingbirds and other flycatchers vary greatly. Some select holes in trees, some neat on ledges and others make dainty nests.