eastern kingbird

bird

Also known as: Tyrannus tyrannus, bee bird, bee-martin

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

The eastern kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) is a bird species known for its pugnacious nature. Despite its small size, typically around 20 cm (8 inches) long, it will aggressively chase larger birds like crows and hawks. This bird is gray above and white below, with a distinctive white band on the tip of its tail and a usually concealed, erectile crest of red or orange.12

Eastern kingbirds are found across North America, from coast to coast, and migrate to tropical America for the winter. They are common in open country, often near roads, and are sometimes called "bee birds" or "bee-martins" due to their habit of raiding apiaries.21

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kingbird
The eastern kingbird (T. tyrannus) ranges from the east coast of the United States to eastern Washington and Oregon in the United States and British Columbia and the Northwest Territories in Canada; it is dark slate gray above and white below, with a white tail tip.…
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The eastern kingbird (T. tyrannus) ranges from the east coast of the United States to eastern Washington and Oregon in the United States and British Columbia and the Northwest Territories in Canada; it is dark slate gray above and white below, with a white tail tip.…
Read More