Family:
The eastern kingbird is a flycatcher with a large head, long, pointed wings, square-edged tail, and short, straight bill. It has grey-black upperparts and white underparts, with a grey wash across the breast. The tail is black with a distinctive white tip, and its dark head contrasts with a white throat. There is a narrow strip of red feathers on the crown, though these are rarely visible. Males and females look alike.
The eastern kingbird’s call is a high-pitched buzzing sound, often likened to the crackling noise of an electric fence.
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Eastern kingbirds primarily feed on insects, which they catch in midair by sallying out from perches to snatch them. They may also hover to pick insects from leaves. In winter, they supplement their diet with berries and fruit.
The eastern kingbird breeds throughout North America in open habitats, including fields, pastures, grasslands, and wetlands. It migrates to the forests of South America for winter.
These birds are often seen perched at the tops of trees, as well as on utility lines and fences.
