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Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)

The Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) is a striking flycatcher known for its bold black and white tail pattern, often seen near ponds and rivers. This large, agile bird is a common sight in North America during the warmer months, where it actively hunts insects in open areas.

Identification and Whereabouts

The Eastern Kingbird is characterized by a dark grey back extending from the head to the tip of the tail. The tail feathers are distinctively tipped with white. The underparts of the bird are a light grey.

The Eastern Kingbird can be observed from late spring through early autumn in parks with ponds or along rivers. As a migratory bird, it departs from the Montreal area during the colder months. It is often seen perched in the higher branches of trees or flying above the ground and water surface in search of prey.

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-01-13