(From an early legend)

The Council of Birds met and decided that a King of the Birds must crowned, both to increase greater efficiency of bird affairs and because all the birds had been expressing a desire for a King. Birds, it seems, just like people needed someone to look up to.

A general meeting of all the birds was held and nominations for King were opened up to all.

The first candidate to fly up to the podium was the Harpy Eagle.

‘My fellow birds, I am the obvious choice for King. I am the biggest, strongest and most impressive of all the birds. No one would dare to challenge any of my rulings.’

The Harpy Eagle then went on to give a long speech, listing what he would do to improve their lives, how he would go about doing it and trying to energize the vast audience with his words.

Next, the Resplendent Quetzal flew up to the podium and addressed the throng:

‘I am clearly the most beautiful of all the birds. Who could be but overwhelmed with pure awe when in my presence.’

The Quetzal then proceeded to give an even longer speech to the gathered crowd.

The Scarlet Macaw next flew up to the podium.

‘I am the wisest of all birds. My knowledge and wisdom are known to you all.’

The macaw then gave an even longer speech than the other two.

At the end of the macaw’s speech, the three candidates met together to debate the issues and to see which of them should be the victorious candidate. During this lengthy debate period, the vast gathering of birds patiently waited but soon became restless and bored; bored with the talk, bored with sitting around and bored with the process in general.

At this point, the Tropical Kingbird flew up to the podium.

‘My friends,’ said the TK. ‘We all have our lives to live and we all wish to get back to them, eh? So if you’re all agreed, I will be your new King of the Birds. Call me if there is anything I can do for you.’

All of the birds in attendance unanimously threw up their wings as high as they could and with great gusto and glee cheered the Tropical Kingbird as their new King.

The Tropical Kingbird almost never got any calls to do anything, since the rest of the birds got along just fine on their own. And everyone…except the Harpy Eagle, the Resplendent Quetzal and the Scarlet Macaw…lived happily ever after.