Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)

 
                                                                                            Photo by BarrytheBirder

Eastern Kingbirds are common and easily spotted in woodland clearings, farm fence-lines, orchards and roadsides and near lake and river shores.  Their black and white tuxedo appearance is easily recognized.   They are also easily recognized by their harsh and strident call notes.

They are noisy and conspicuous birds.   They have been named for their aggressive behaviour, especially near their nests.   They frequently drive away much larger birds than themselves, such as hawks and crows.   

They often flock in large numbers in late summer and early fall, often pursuing flying insects.   Late summer is a time they are often seen feeding on wild berries, which the Audubon Society says they can "deftly pluck while on the wing".

I lived in King Township, north of Toronto, Ontario, for several decades and was quite used to Kingbirds being my regular neighbours.   I always thought that King Township's official bird should have been the Kingbird.

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder