We have both the Eastern and Western Kingbirds residing in our region and although very different in appearance we typically see both species perched on fence posts or barbed wire foraging on insects spotted from their perches. Although we have encountered both on the same day we have not yet seen them in close proximity.
So West…Meet East
And East…. meet West.
We enjoy the eastern version. They are handsome and quick.
HI Jim, yes they are quick hunters darting from the perch to the ground and back again in the blink of an eye.
They behave like their relatives the Eastern Phoebe. I also like their scientific name – Tyrannus tyrannus
Hi Jim, it is a very nice name and easy to remember.
Nice images, Mike. I love the lemon yellow on the Western and the fluffy white breast on the Eastern. There is a pair that nest in the field up the road – very vocal!
Hi Eliza, we are lucky to have both species around. Always fun birds to observe.