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

Tyrannus melancholicus chloronotus Berlepsch: Tropical Kingbird.

From Project Gutenberg

I have heard the hairbird, and the note of the kingbird; and the ruffed grouse frequently drums at night.

From Project Gutenberg

The wild lettuce yields down for the humming-bird's nest, and the flowers of whiteweed are used by the kingbird and cedar-bird.

From Project Gutenberg

His harsh, shrill call, louder and more disagreeable than the kingbird's, cannot but rasp his ears as it does ours.

From Project Gutenberg

The kingbird feeds on beetles, canker-worms, and winged insects, with an occasional dessert of berries.

From Project Gutenberg