Tyrant Flycatchers

Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus

Family Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

Size: 8.5"

Season: Summer

Habitat: Open woodlands, agricultural and rural areas

The eastern kingbird is a slender, medium-size flycatcher. Its upperparts are bluish black, and its underparts are white with a pale-gray breast. The dark head cap contrasts with the white lower half of the face. The tail is black with a white terminal band. It flies with shallow wing beats on wings that are mostly dark and pointed. Eastern kingbirds perch on wires, treetops, or posts and take flight to capture insects on the wing. The voice is a distinctive series of very high-pitched, sputtering, zippy psit notes. The adult is illustrated.