Canada/Manitoba: Whiteshell PP – Eastern Kingbird

This bird was quite common in Whiteshell PP, and also in other natural areas along the Transcanadian Highway. This is Eastern Kingbird with an ominous Latin name of Tyrannus tyrannus. Basically this is a variation of a flycatcher. Eastern Kingbirds are easily recognized by their blackish-gray upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive white band at the tip of their tail. The Latin name comes likely from the bird’s behaviors – it is a fierce defender of its territory, often seen chasing away much larger birds – we’ve seen several fights in the air. It feeds primarily on insects, which it catches in mid-air. They migrate to South America in winter.