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Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Eastern Kingbird Photo

© Michael J. Hopiak/CLO

A large dark flycatcher of fields and other open areas, the Eastern Kingbird is a common and widespread species. Despite its name, its range extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin

Appearance

Flycatchers
Flycatchers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized songbird.
  • Head and back dark.
  • Throat, chest, and belly white.
  • White tip to dark tail.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but shows buffy edges to wing feathers and a narrower white tip to tail. Also lacks the concealed crown patch.

Range Map Help

Eastern Kingbird Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Adult
    • © Michael J. Hopiak/CLO
  • Adult
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    Adult
    • Bright yellow-orange crown patch is rarely visible
    • © E. J. Fiske/CLO

Similar Species

  • Gray Kingbird is similar, but shows a dark mask on its otherwise lighter head, is paler gray on the back, and lacks the white tail tip.
  • Thick-billed Kingbird is brownish gray on the back and lacks the white tail tip.
  • Eastern Phoebe is smaller, is paler gray on the back and dirtier white or yellowish underneath, has a proportionately longer tail that lacks a white tip, and constantly wags its tail.