Above: Eastern Kingbird near Lac du Bonnet, 3 June 2022; by Peter Taylor.
How do I recognize it?
The Eastern Kingbird is a fairly large flycatcher, slightly smaller than an American Robin. It is mostly dark shades of gray above (darkest on the head and tail) with white on the underparts. A narrow, white band at the tail tip is distinctive, whereas a small, red crown patch is visible only when the bird is agitated.
Above: Recent arrivals: Eastern Kingbirds at The Narrows (Lake Manitoba), 26 May 2024; by Peter Taylor.
Does it migrate?
It is a long-distance migrant, breeding from the Atlantic coast of North America to British Columbia, and wintering in South America. Eastern Kingbirds are normally present in Manitoba from the first arrivals in early May to the last stragglers in mid-September.
Above: Eastern Kingbird near Lyleton, 17 June 2022; by Peter Taylor.
Where does it live?
Eastern Kingbirds breed in prairie and agricultural parts of Manitoba, as well as the southern boreal forest, becoming scarce farther north. Nesting sites are often close to water, including riparian woodland strips, lake shores, beaver ponds, and farm dugouts.
Above: Eastern Kingbird processing a grasshopper near Elma, 13 July 2021; by Peter Taylor.
Where can I see it?
Eastern Kingbirds often perch on roadside fences and utility wires, where their heavier build helps to distinguish them from the swallows that also use wires. As well as being ideal vantage points for spotting flying insects, the wires provide a hard surface for tenderising large insects and detaching bee and wasp stings. Look for kingbirds along gravel roads in lightly wooded pasture land and at shelter belts or forest clearings. They are less likely to be seen in dense forest or intensively cultivated land. Family groups are often conspicuous in August, just prior to fall migration.
Above: A rather disheveled juvenile Eastern Kingbird north of Prawda, 9 August 2015; by Peter Taylor.
Conservation Status:
While this species is still numerous enough to be considered secure, the population has declined significantly over the last half-century; factors in this decline are thought to include pesticide use and road mortality.
Above: Preparing for the trip south: Eastern Kingbirds at Oak Hammock Marsh, 6 August 2023; by Peter Taylor.
Did you know:
Kingbirds are noted for the vigorous defense of their nesting territories, sometimes pursuing raptors, landing on their backs and pecking them in flight. In winter, they switch both diet and personality from being territorial insectivores to sociable fruit-eaters.
Written by Peter Taylor