Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Camden State Park Minnesota May 22, 2016

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Like other kingbirds, the Eastern Kingbird is a conspicuous gray and white bird found in open areas with scattered trees and bushes, perching on wires or treetops to watch for flying insects.

Smaller with narrower and more pointed wings than other kingbirds.

Voice: Song of sharp, rasping or sputtering notes in series ending with emphatic descending buzz kdik kdik kdik PIKaPIKa PIKa kzeeeer; elements often given separately. Most frequently heard call a sharp, buzzy kzeer. Dawn song is a high, rapid, electric rattling building to crescendo kiu kittttttttttttiu ditide.

All species in the genus Tyrannus have an orange or red median crown-stripe usually concealed by the dark crown feathers; the stripe is brightest in adult male and exposed only during displays.

Works Cited

Sibley, D. A. The Sibley Guide to Birds. New York City: Chanticleer Press, Inc. (2000): 335.