eastern kingbird

1. Bird Name
English name: Eastern Kingbird
Scientific name: Tyrannus tyrannus

2. Appearance
The Eastern Kingbird is characterized by a striking contrast in its colouration. Most of its body is a deep black, which sharply contrasts with the white undersides and their chest, making them easily distinguishable. Their heads are equipped with a black beak that is short and pointed, perfect for their insectivorous diet. Eyes are deep black, which even further enhances their regal appearance. The bird also sports a rarely-seen strip of orange, red, or yellow feathers on the crown of their heads. This unique feature is typically hidden and only visible during displays or aggressive encounters. Furthermore, male and female Eastern Kingbirds are similar in appearance with minimal sexual dimorphism.

3. Size
On average, the length of an Eastern Kingbird ranges between 19–23 cm (7.5–9 in) and their wingspan goes around 33–38 cm (13-15 in). Weighing around 33-55 grams, the bird’s size and weight allow it to play an essential role in maintaining the health of the ecosystems they inhabit by controlling insect populations.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Preferring open habitats, these birds can be found from British Columbia across to Nova Scotia in Canada, and southwards to Florida and Texas in the US. In winter, they migrate through Central America to their wintering grounds in the Amazon basin of South America. Their preferred habitats are open woodlands, fields, parks, and along water, where they can easily hunt their prey.

5. Interesting Facts
The Eastern Kingbird has a few unique behaviors. Most interesting is their fiercely defensive attitude towards any intruders, even birds much larger than themselves, that approach their nests or territories – a character trait that has earned them the moniker “Tyrant Flycatchers”. Migration is another fascinating aspect of their lives. With the onset of winter, these brave little flyers embark on a journey of more than 5000 kilometers to the warmth of the South American tropics.

6. Diet
Eastern Kingbird primarily feeds on insects they catch in flight. These include beetles, bees, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, and flies. They also consume some fruits and berries.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Eastern Kingbird’s song is a combination of sharp and high-pitched notes that can be described variously as a whiny, sibilant, or trilled whistle. Their vigorous flight pattern is a joy to observe – they often hover, fly loop-the-loops, or zigzag through the skies to catch insects in mid-air.

8. Conservation Status
Currently, Eastern Kingbirds are classified as being of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, like all wildlife, they are impacted by human activity, habitat destruction, and climate change.

9. Lifespan
Eastern Kingbirds typically live up to five years in the wild, although one individual was recorded to have lived up to ten years.

10. Additional Notes
In Latin American countries, Eastern Kingbirds are known as ‘Tirano del este’ or ‘Eastern Tyrant’ which points to their notorious aggressive behavior. They have a symbiotic relationship with larger animals such as cows, often seen perched on them to catch insects, thus helping in pest control. Moreover, they play a significant role not just in maintaining ecosystem balance, but also inspiring birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with their bold and spirited demeanor.