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| Eastern kingbird |
Eastern kingbirds are tenacious flycatchers. They are called kings because they aggressively take control of their claimed territories chasing out intruders including hawks. They feed by flying from their perches overlooking fields, yards, parks to snatch flying insects on the wing including bees and wasps. Their scientific name Tyrannus tyrannus or "tyrant tyrant" reflects their aggressiveness and willingness to take on prey with stingers.
These photos were sent by our eye-to-the-sky in Kansas Betty Thompson. Not only did she find and photograph an eastern kingbird on its nest but also got photos of a western kingbird as well.
The two species current ranges overlap in the middle of the country. Yet, the western species is slowly expanding its range to the east as the eastern species has pushed its range all the way to the Pacific coast. I am completely unsure what happens when the two are trying to claim the same field. King vs. King.
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The more colorful western kingbird
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Author of Natural Histories, Ghost Birds and Ephemeral by Nature all published by the University of Tennessee Press.
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