kingbird

American  

[king-burd] / ˈkɪŋˌbɜrd /

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.

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kingbird British  

/ ˈkɪŋˌbɜːd /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of kingbird

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

Example Sentences

Some of the costliest and most invasive construction is unfolding this month in Guadalupe Canyon, an oasis-like habitat for rare species of birds like the buff-collared nightjar and tropical kingbird.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2020

Cummings used to describe the kingbird, they “leap upon the air.”

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2015

They quit early at dusk, satisfied at having spotted 129 species, including such rarities as the upland plover and the western kingbird.

From Time Magazine Archive

Yet the thrushes are song birds par excellence, while the phœbe, the least flycatcher, and the kingbird are not supposed to be able to sing at all.

From Birds in the Bush by Torrey, Bradford

Just such an extended branch as a shrike or a kingbird would use as a lookout while searching the landscape o'er for something to eat, the little sparrow hawk chooses for the same purpose.

From Birds Every Child Should Know by Blanchan, Neltje