Steve,
Thanks for reposting this well-written post. While you have noticed fewer Eastern Kingbirds, I have noticed a few more of them here in north western Virginia. I have not noticed them greifing my PMs as of yet, but will keep my eyes open for that behavior.
A Purple Martin's Worst Aerial Nightmare, But Great Ally
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Steve Kroenke
- Posts: 4342
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2003 6:49 pm
- Location: Louisiana/Logansport
Hey MWolf00,
I am glad you enjoyed the posting and even happier that you have seen more Eastern kingbirds in your area. I have been reading reports that Eastern kingbirds are declining in many areas of North America, so your observations of more kingbirds is welcomed news.
Our kingbirds have been really chasing and battling the martins in our colonies!
Good luck with your martins.
Steve
I am glad you enjoyed the posting and even happier that you have seen more Eastern kingbirds in your area. I have been reading reports that Eastern kingbirds are declining in many areas of North America, so your observations of more kingbirds is welcomed news.
Our kingbirds have been really chasing and battling the martins in our colonies!
Good luck with your martins.
Steve
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Steve Kroenke
- Posts: 4342
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2003 6:49 pm
- Location: Louisiana/Logansport
I have been seeing a few Eastern kingbirds in our area recently and I hope a pair decides to nest nearby. Though kingbirds will chase martins, the kingbird is a great sentinel and HATES Cooper's hawks with a passion!
Just the other day a kingbird emitted its characteristic high pitch alarm scream and started climbing rapidly. All our martins bolted and did the same thing.
Sure enough a Cooper's hawk was coming over and this hawk was looking for something to eat! The kingbird and martins were high up and above the hawk. The hawk flew on.
I am re-posting an older article dealing with the good and bad relationship martins have with Eastern kingbirds. But for the most part, it is a good one.
Steve
Just the other day a kingbird emitted its characteristic high pitch alarm scream and started climbing rapidly. All our martins bolted and did the same thing.
Sure enough a Cooper's hawk was coming over and this hawk was looking for something to eat! The kingbird and martins were high up and above the hawk. The hawk flew on.
I am re-posting an older article dealing with the good and bad relationship martins have with Eastern kingbirds. But for the most part, it is a good one.
Steve
PMCA Member
300+ pairs of martins each season
300+ pairs of martins each season
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Steve Kroenke
- Posts: 4342
- Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2003 6:49 pm
- Location: Louisiana/Logansport
One of my favorite birds has arrived and a pair has established territory in our yards. In fact I saw my first one during first of April. Yes, the Eastern kingbird is here!
I am re-posting this older article on the relationship between kingbirds and martins. Though kingbirds readily chase and torment martins in flight, kingbirds are great sentinels and one of the first to see approaching Accipiter hawks and merlins. And kingbirds will mob Cooper's hawks and follow these hawks all over the place, particularly when the kingbirds have nestlings/fledglings.
Kingbirds will attack most raptors and crows and even latch on to their backs/tails. I enjoy watching the kingbirds battle with hawks and crows.
Steve
I am re-posting this older article on the relationship between kingbirds and martins. Though kingbirds readily chase and torment martins in flight, kingbirds are great sentinels and one of the first to see approaching Accipiter hawks and merlins. And kingbirds will mob Cooper's hawks and follow these hawks all over the place, particularly when the kingbirds have nestlings/fledglings.
Kingbirds will attack most raptors and crows and even latch on to their backs/tails. I enjoy watching the kingbirds battle with hawks and crows.
Steve
PMCA Member
300+ pairs of martins each season
300+ pairs of martins each season
I was reading about king birds as I as seen one for the first time having a little fight with one of the martins. I seen a story on the web about a king bird that would chase a low flying airplane .They must not be afraid of much to be doing that.
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DakotaLady
- Posts: 654
- Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 2:06 pm
- Location: Bismarck, ND
Jim - I do believe Steve is right labeling them tyrants. I have both the Eastern and Western Kingbirds that nest in my yard. The Western are by FAR more aggressive than the Eastern Kingbirds. They are really fun to watch and seem not to be afraid of anything. Heck, when I mow under a tree with their nests, even I am afraid. ha ha.
Very wonderfully written post Steve.
Very wonderfully written post Steve.
~Tangula~
2013 - 16 pair, 79 eggs, 71 fledged
2012 - 4 pair, 18 eggs, 18 fledged
2013 - 16 pair, 79 eggs, 71 fledged
2012 - 4 pair, 18 eggs, 18 fledged
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johnnycoon
- Posts: 71
- Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:06 pm
- Location: kansas/pottowatomie
I had a western kingbird take residence in my yard by my puma houses.It was very weird since they aren't supposed to be this far east.They did not harass the martins much though.
23 sparrows less and counting in kansas
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JL Murray
I have had a pair of Eastern King Birds show up here for the last three years so i assume it is the same pair.
I don't know how long King Birds live and i have never seen youngsters but they are a neat looking bird, they look like the tips of their tails have been dipped in white paint and their heads look kinda like an equestrians helmet to me.
I normally see the male and female flying around the tall weeds at the edge of my backyard and the rice field behind it i let those weeds stay there just for those birds.
I had no idea that the King Bird will take on a Hawk but have seen them come whizzing past the Martin's and the martin's get into squabbles and chases with them although they have never harmed each other.
Good info on them Steve thanks!
I don't know how long King Birds live and i have never seen youngsters but they are a neat looking bird, they look like the tips of their tails have been dipped in white paint and their heads look kinda like an equestrians helmet to me.
I normally see the male and female flying around the tall weeds at the edge of my backyard and the rice field behind it i let those weeds stay there just for those birds.
I had no idea that the King Bird will take on a Hawk but have seen them come whizzing past the Martin's and the martin's get into squabbles and chases with them although they have never harmed each other.
Good info on them Steve thanks!