Last August, I saw my first Eastern Kingbird; last week I saw my first Western Kingbird.
With geographically inspired names, one might think that the eastern bird would be found exclusively in eastern North America, and the western, exclusively in the west. However, the Eastern Kingbird is found across the continent, and while the Western Kingbird is predominantly in the west, it is also found in the east, especially during migration.
Both eastern and western birds are flycatchers, albeit rather large ones. They perch and watch until the prey is spotted and then fly after it.
This Western Kingbird is carrying a twig—probably to serve as nest material.
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one of those! What sort of habitat do they favour Alistair?
Doug, I believe they prefer open country, of which there is not much around the Lake. However, I have been told that they are more common in the fields at the north end of the Lake. This one was seen near the Coffee Creek Bluffs—a somewhat unlikely location, I would have thought.
I just saw a couple by 7-mile dam, Trail end of it. Quite an open country there – and beautiful. First time also.