Taxonomy/Description

Eastern Kingbirds are passerines in the Tyrannidae family which consists of Tyrant Flycatchers. These aggressive flycatchers are simply identified by a black back and head and a white belly, chest, and chin.  Sometimes a grayish band can be seen across their chest.  An easy giveaway that you’ve found an Eastern Kingbird is the white band that covers their tail tip.  They also have a hidden patch of red feathers on the head.  Males and females have similar plumage so their behavior is the best way to tell them apart.  Usually males perch upright and will keep a slight crest to their head.  Females, on the other hand, usually perch horizontally and only display a crest when roused. 

photo Michael Noonan

Habitat/Diet

Of the breeding Kingbirds in the United States, the Eastern Kingbirds are the most widespread.  They breed throughout almost all of the United States except for in the Southwest.  They also breed throughout the majority of Canada.  Within this range, Eastern Kingbirds prefer to breed in open environments where trees and shrubs are spread out, and perching sites are available.  This means that along woodland edges and orchards are ideal, also they thrive in the savannah.  They seem to be drawn to water as well.  When migration starts, however, Eastern Kingbirds are not as picky about where they stay, and the different habitats in which they are found varies greatly.  Eastern Kingbirds perch to scout for food.  Larger insects, when captured, are taken back to the perch and beaten until they are dead and then consumed.  Smaller insects are taken in as they are captured.  Almost 90% of their food is insects but later in the summer until the next spring fruit, usually small berries, are also consumed. 

Behavior/Reproduction

Eastern Kingbirds are very aggressive and territorial during breeding season even to the point where females have to force the formation of a pair bond, as males are usually aggressive towards them at the start.  Eventually, the male will become more tolerant of the female.  Tolerance to other Eastern Kingbirds within a pair’s territory also increases throughout the season.  When migration begins, Eastern Kingbirds become more social.  Communication between Kingbirds is greatly based on visual signs.  Eastern Kingbirds raise only one brood per season, with an average of 3-4 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for 16-18 days. They are altricial when born, meaning they are blind, immobile and helpless. They are cared for by both sexes and fledge the nest 16-18 days after hatching.  

Where to see them in WNY

These birds are commonly found in open areas during the summer where there is vegetation and structures for the Eastern Kingbirds to perch on while looking for food.  So, search at the tops of trees and shrubs, on barbed wire, fence posts, and atop the branches of snags for a distinctly contrasted black and white bird.  It has been found that in New York State, Eastern Kingbirds prefer to nest within the branches of Hawthorn trees.