kingbird

[king-burd]

noun

1. any of several American tyrant flycatchers of the genus Tyrannus, especially T. tyrannus eastern kingbird, of North America, known for their pugnacious disposition toward predators.

kingbird

/ ˈkɪŋˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any of several large American flycatchers of the genus Tyrannus, esp T. tyrannus ( eastern kingbird or bee martin )

Word History and Origins

Origin of kingbird¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80; king + bird

Example Sentences

Over the summer, expect to see goslings learning how to fly, blue-winged teals migrating south, and kingbirds and flycatchers gorging on insects.

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As golfers practice their putts, Rachman spots a trio of Cassin’s kingbirds perched at the top of a tall sycamore tree.

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The holes in its interior plaster walls now make homes for barn swallows and western kingbirds.

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On a recent morning, Simons stood sipping from a steaming cup of coffee and noticed an eastern kingbird carrying something wiggly in its beak.

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Populations are increasing for species whose preferred habitats are in sync with the changing conditions, such as Cassin's kingbird, a southwestern native now expanding its range as Colorado and Wyoming warm up.

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