Another Flycatcher: Eastern Kingbird

Since I began this blog, I’ve posted on two different flycatchers, the Eastern Phoebe and Great-crest Flycatcher. So why have I neglected comment on the Eastern Kingbird? I’ve seen the Kingbird twice this breeding season, once in a pasture atop a tree (reminder to self: identify trees when identifying birds that sit atop them) and again, just a week ago, on a telephone line along a rural road fronting a pastureland. (Photo courtesy of Charles H. Warren.)

The Eastern Kingbird is a large, handsome bird—dark gray with white throat, belly, and stomach. Some birds you learn by sound, but typically I see, not hear, the kingbird. When catching sight of a regal gray bird with a white underbelly, I always look for a white trim to the tail to confirm the kingbird. Like other flycatchers, the kingbird eats flying insects, but while wintering in South America, this flycatcher becomes a fruit-eating bird.

Just now I listened to the kingbird’s song (on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s site All About Birds) to see if I recognized it . . . but didn’t. Therefore, I need to learn the kingbird’s song and calls. You can’t truly know a songbird if you don’t know his song. And I certainly what to know this bird—wouldn’t you?

Till next time . . . happy birding!