Eastern Kingbird

1/2000s at f8.0 ISO:400, Canon Mark III 1Ds w/800mm x1.4 converter


The Eastern Kingbird is a large flycatcher. They breed in open areas across North America. The Kingbirds make a sturdy cup nest in a tree or shrub, sometimes on top of a stump or pole. The female lays 3-5 spotted white eggs. Incubation and fledging both take about 16 to 18 days each. They wait on an open perch and fly out to catch insects in flight, sometimes hovering to pick food off vegetation. They also eat berries and fruit, mainly in their wintering areas. Kingbirds aggressively defend their territory, even against much larger birds. These birds migrate in flocks to South America.
Eustis, NE
 
05/15/2009