2020 Bonanza Bird #29

Meet the Birdorable Eastern Kingbird: The Tyrant of Flycatchers

Birdorable Eastern Kingbird

Today’s new Birdorable is one of three “kings” we’ll introduce in the days leading up to Christmas. Here is the Birdorable Eastern Kingbird!

Eastern Kingbirds are large flycatchers native to the New World. These migratory birds breed across much of the United States, except for in the far west. Winters are spent across western parts of South America.

The Eastern Kingbird is a “tyrant” flycatcher – its scientific name is Tyrannus tyrannus. Tyrannus translates to “king” or “tyrant” and refers to the aggressive behavior seen in these birds and others in the same family. There are about 437 species in the tyrant flycatcher family and all are native to the New World.

Eastern Kingbird
Photo by USFWS Midwest Region (public domain)

Tomorrow another “king” will join Birdorable. This species of sea duck is found in both New World and Old World waters. Do you know this one?

Cute Eastern Kingbird Gifts

Comments

Brandon Nayar on December 22, 2020 at 4:11 PM wrote:
Yes omg King Eider, my favorite bird.
Just Another Birder on December 22, 2020 at 4:13 PM wrote:
I agree, I think that it’s a King Eider.
Birder on December 22, 2020 at 4:50 PM wrote:
I know what it is
Birder on December 22, 2020 at 4:50 PM wrote:
King eider
Rosalba M S on December 22, 2020 at 4:54 PM wrote:
I also think it's a King Eider!
Spurwing Plover on May 19, 2022 at 7:01 AM wrote:
Highly Aggressive to Hawks and Crows I have seen the Western Kingbird build their nests on Utility Poles i saw two after a Hawk right over own Down Town area a a few years ago Etna Ca

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