Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)

Photos by Barry Wallace 

Ornithologist Kenn Kaufman in his 'Birds of North America' says Eastern Kingbirds are "Common in summer in open country, forest edges, farms, orchards and roadsides, and perching on fences or treetops.   Conspicuous for its bold behaviour, attacking and chasing crows, hawks or other large birds that come too near the kingbird's nest".

Eastern Kingbirds are a large (8 1/2"), distinctive and rather handsome flycatcher.  They have a black head and gray back. They are white below below, with a gray wash across the breast.   They have a broad white band at the tip of tail which is diagnostic.

A narrow strip of red-orange feathers on the crown is usually hidden.

These birds are found across southern Canada and throughout the central and eastern United States.   They winter in South America.

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BarrytheBirder