ExploreBirds

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

The Eastern Kingbird is a lively bird with a black head and white belly. It loves to catch insects in mid-air and can often be seen perched on fences or wires, watching for its next meal.

Habitat: Open fields and gardens

Appearance

The Eastern Kingbird has a sleek, dark gray back with a contrasting pure white belly and a black tail tipped distinctly in white. Its head is dark black, often hiding a small, vibrant orange-red crown patch. This upright posture and clean markings make it easily identifiable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusTyrannus
Eastern Kingbird
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Eastern Kingbird

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A tiny, fiery orange patch hides on top of their head, usually only seen when they're excited!

Eastern Kingbirds can sometimes eat small fruits, making them more than just insect-eaters!

Their nest is often built on a horizontal tree branch, far from the trunk for safety!

They are called 'kingbirds' because they bravely chase much larger birds away from their nests!

Special abilities

Ability

King of the Sky Defense

Eastern Kingbirds can bravely chase much larger birds like hawks because of their fierce territorial instinct, which helps them protect their nest.

Ability

Mid-Air Muncher

Eastern Kingbirds can catch flying insects with incredible agility in mid-air, because of their sharp eyesight and swift, acrobatic flight.

Ability

Secret Crown

Eastern Kingbirds have a hidden patch of fiery orange-red feathers on their head that only shows when they're excited, helping them display during courtship or confrontation.

Measurements & details

Length
20-23 cm
Wingspan
33-38 cm
Weight
0.033-0.055 kg
Lifespan
2-10 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
14-17 days
Migration Distance
6000 km

Diet & Feeding

These birds primarily feast on flying insects, expertly caught mid-air, but also enjoy tasty berries!

Primary Foods

  • dragonflies
  • bees
  • beetles
  • grasshoppers
  • elderberries
  • mulberries

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Green Darner Dragonfly

Anax junius

A primary prey item.

hunts

Common Eastern Bumble Bee

Bombus impatiens

Kingbirds catch these bees mid-flight.

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

May prey on kingbird adults or fledglings.

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Can raid nests for eggs and nestlings.

eats

Red Mulberry

Morus rubra

Kingbirds consume its ripe fruits.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eastern Kingbird?

20-23 cm

What is Eastern Kingbird's wingspan?

33-38 cm

How much does Eastern Kingbird weigh?

0.033-0.055 kg

How long does Eastern Kingbird live?

2-10 years

How fast can Eastern Kingbird move?

50 km/h

What does Eastern Kingbird eat?

These birds primarily feast on flying insects, expertly caught mid-air, but also enjoy tasty berries!

Where is Eastern Kingbird usually found?

Open fields and gardens

How does Eastern Kingbird hunt?

Ambush

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Where to spot

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