Tyrannus tyrannus
adult
The Eastern Kingbird is a familiar black and white songbird. The sexes are similar. Adults are essentially black above and white below. The black hood, neatly defined by the white throat, grades to dark blue-gray on the back and wings; the wing feathers have whitish margins. A reddish-orange crown stripe is invariably hidden. The black tail has a white terminal band. Although the underparts are mostly white, a diffuse pale gray chest band is present. The bill and legs are dark. Juveniles are similar to adults, although the upperparts are subtly tinged brown.
The Eastern Kingbird is present as a breeding species mainly from May to August across most of temperate North America except the far west. It spends the rest of the year in South America. Great views can usually be obtained because it is often indifferent to people and perches on roadside wires and fences. It catches flying insects by making aerial sorties.
adult
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 8–9 in (20–23 cm)
FOOD Insects and other invertebrates
HABITAT Wide range of open habitats
STATUS Widespread and common summer visitor
VOICE Song (sung at dawn) comprises a much-repeated series of call-like trilling phrases. Calls include various trills and a metallic, rasping kedzee-kedzee . . .
