About the Eastern Kingbird
The eastern kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher native to the Americas. The bird is predominantly dark gray with white underbelly and pointed wings. Eastern kingbirds are conspicuous and are commonly found in open areas with scattered trees and bushes, where they perch while foraging for insects. The Eastern kingbird is migratory, with its breeding range spread across North America and its wintering range in Central and South America.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adults are grey-black on the upperparts with light underparts; they have a long black tail with a white end and long, pointed wings. They have a red patch on their crown, seldom seen. They are of average size for a kingbird, at 19–23 cm (7.5–9.1 in), 33–38 cm (13–15 in) across the wings and weighing 33–55 g (1.2–1.9 oz). The call is a high-pitched, buzzing and unmusical chirp, frequently compared to an electric fence.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Eastern Kingbird sounds like
Where the Eastern Kingbird lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Suriname.
When to see the Eastern Kingbird
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Tropical KingbirdTyrannus melancholicusAn adult tropical kingbird is 22 cm (8.7 in) long, weighs 39 g (1.4 oz) and has a wingspan range of 38–41 cm.
Western KingbirdTyrannus verticalisAdults are a combination of both gray and yellow plumage, along with crimson feathers that are hidden until courtship or against intruders.
Cassin's KingbirdTyrannus vociferansAdults have a gray head with slightly darker cheeks; a dark unforked tail with a buffy fringe and gray-olive underparts.
Side by side: Eastern Kingbird vs Tropical Kingbird · Eastern Kingbird vs Western Kingbird · Cassin's Kingbird vs Eastern Kingbird
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