Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Eastern Kingbirds are one of the "tyrant flycatchers".  They will defend it's nest in an extremely aggressive manner, even attacking much larger birds that come too close.  As with other flycatchers, they often feed by observing from a perch and flying out to catch insects in mid-air.  Eastern Kingbirds are very common sights in the summer along fence lines and posts in most of the state.

Habitat: Woodland edges, roadsides, farms, shelterbelts, scattered trees. Requires open space for hunting and trees for nesting. 

Diet: Mostly insects, including grasshoppers, flies, beetles, bees, and wasps.  Also will eat fruit and berries. 

Behavior: In addition to capturing flying insects, Eastern Kingbirds will also hover and glean insects from vegetation foliage and other surfaces.  While they are extremely territorial during their summer months in South Dakota, they form large flocks in their wintering grounds in South America.

Nesting: Early June through July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey Map

Song: Eastern Kingbird Song

Migration: Neotropical migrant, wintering in South America.  Summers throughout most of the eastern three-fourths of the United States, and southern Canada.

Similar Species: Generally distinctive throughout most of the United States.

Conservation Status: Widespread and common.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Eastern Kingbird

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Eastern Kingbird"

3) eNature.com: Eastern Kingbird

Photo Information: May 26th, 2003 -- Minnehaha County -- Terry L. Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Eastern Kingbird photos.