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Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Above: An Eastern Kingbird feasting on a tiger beetle at Fort Smallwood Park, Maryland (4/29/2007).
Below: An Eastern Kingbird in western Allegany Co., Maryland (7/31/2005).
Below: A recently fledged young Eastern Kingbird in Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (6/27/2007).
Below: An Eastern Kingbird works its fenceline bug-hunting beat in Somerset Co., Maryland (7/27/2008).
Below: Eastern Kingbirds mobbing a Fish Crow at Fort Smallwood, Maryland (5/18/2012).
Below: An Eastern Kingbird comes in for a landing at Fort Smallwood, Maryland (5/20/2012).
Below: An Eastern Kingbird in Worcester Co., Maryland (6/26/2011).
Comments: This flycatcher has certainly earned its Latin name, "King of the Tyrants." It aggressively defends its nest, often chasing off much larger birds, landing on their backs and pulling out feathers! I have seen them land on the backs of crows, gulls, and vultures, none of whom seemed overly pleased with the conflict. These birds often observe from an exposed perch, then quickly hawk insects on the wing, returning to the perch to dine. Note the white terminal band on black tail.