Eastern Kingbird

The Eastern Kingbird is a frequent visitor to our garden.

Latin name: Tyrannus tyrannus

Length, wingspan: 9″, 14″

What they eat: Insects, occasionally berries

Habitat: Grasslands, orchards, open areas

Where they nest: Trees in open areas

My observations: OK, I have to be honest with you: the Latin name of the Eastern Kingbird makes me chuckle. While it means “tyrant tyrant,” it reminds me of how the Tyrannosaurus rex is called “terrible lizard.” And that makes me think the Kingbird’s popular name is “terrible terrible!” I’m guessing they got their name by popular vote in the insect world! But seriously, I’m sure the name comes from their skill at catching all sorts of insects. That means they are most welcome in my garden. Eastern Kingbirds have dark gray heads, backs, wings and tail feathers. They also feature pristine white breasts, tummies, tail coverts and tail feather tips. They’re about the size of a Robin. Eastern Kingbirds are often seen fluttering over their hunting grounds in search of insect prey. When they make a quick swoop down, you know they’ve been successful. Alas, they are only summer visitors in my garden but I’m happy to have them here nonetheless.

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