Eastern Kingbird

20 cm (8") Common. Throughout most of North America. Open country, woodland clearings, orchards, farms, roadsides, wires.

Black above, white below with a conspicuous white band at tip of dark tail. Red crown patch is usually concealed.

Sits on exposed perches and sallies forth to snap up insects. Chases away much larger birds by diving on their backs.

Song: high squeaky chattering "kt'zee" and "zeer" calls sounding like electrical sparks.

Watch

Credit: Larry Bond

Eastern Kingbird winter distribution map

Eastern Kingbird distribution map

Tyrannus tyrannus