By Adriana Losey, Metroparks Natural Resource Research and Monitoring Intern

In northwest Ohio meadows and prairies, an electric “ki’tee” call can often be heard coming from a black and white bird perched high on its throne in a tree. Rarely going unnoticed, the Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) has perfected the art of catching our attention by repeatedly flying to and from its many branches looking for food.

Kingbirds belong to the flycatcher family Tyrannidae—the “tyrant” flycatchers! Living up to the name, these birds do “fly-catch” and are powerful. They can often be seen perched on the tip of a branch waiting for the perfect opportunity. When they attempt to catch their prey, they often hover, grab the insect, and then return to their branch. If they are lucky enough to seize a large insect such as a dragonfly, they will knock their prey against a branch to immobilize it.

This species has quite the personality and their fearless, intimidating behavior toward other recognized predators or territorial threats may give some an impression of a “bully.” Surprisingly, though, they are actually fierce protectors of their kin. When agitated, these kings will give fair warning to all by flashing their crowns of red and yellow feathers normally hidden on top of their head.

Finding Eastern Kingbirds in the Metroparks is easy. They are common summer residents, nesting and raising their young in meadow and prairie habitats in Oak Openings Preserve, Secor, Wildwood, Wiregrass, Blue Creek, Westwinds, Pearson and Providence Metroparks.  

Fun Fact
Eastern Kingbirds stay in family groups throughout the summer before making their long migration to South America. In our region, they could easily be considered the kings of insect hunting—very skilled at keeping insect pest populations in check. However, on their wintering grounds in the Amazon basin, they eat mainly fruit.