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Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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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.

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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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    Eastern Kingbird

    Adult
    • © Michael J. Hopiak/CLO
  • Adult
    Zoom In

    Eastern Kingbird

    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.