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Bird Identification

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Eastern Kingbird

Tryannus tyrannus, Length: 8.5"

Look For

Black above, white below, with a heavy black bill, the Eastern Kingbird looks a bit mean. As its Latin name suggests, it is a tyrant of tyrants, often attacking much larger birds that invade its territory. The obvious white tip to the black tail is a field mark unique to this flycatcher species.

Listen for

Eastern Kingbirds are loud birds (often heard before seen) with an unmusical, zapping call: ptzeent!, often given in a rapid series.

Remember

From the Great Plains westward, you can see both Eastern and Western Kingbirds in the same habitats. They are easy to tell apart—Westerns are light gray above and yellow below.

Find it

Common in summer in a variety of open and semi-open habitats across the continent, Eastern Kingbirds perch in obvious places—on roadside wires, fences, and treetops-and make aerial forays to catch insects.

Wow!

If you get a really good look, you'll see a narrow stripe of red feathers on the crown of an Eastern Kingbird. This rarely seen plumage is displayed by the male during spring courtship.

This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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