kingbirds
Aggressive territorial flycatchers
Kingbirds are aggressive North American flycatchers known for fearlessly attacking much larger birds—crows, hawks, even eagles—that enter their territory.
The name reflects this bold behavior: they rule their domain.
The eastern kingbird is the most common species, recognized by its dark back, white underside, and white-tipped tail.
A kingbird chased off the hawk.
Perching bird order member
- songbirdMelodious perching avian
- avianOf or concerning birds
- speciesFinest taxonomic rank
- ornithologyScientific study of birds
Feeding on six-legged creatures
- sallyingBursting forth suddenly
- hawkingSport using trained raptors
- aerialElevated, or signal-catcher
- swoopingDescending in curves
darting · perching · gleaning · hovering · flitting · snapping · catching · hunting
Hostile and confrontational
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- dominantHaving superior influence
- boldCourageous and daring
fierce · assertive · combative · feisty · pugnacious · mobbing · chasing · diving
Bird's complete feather coat
- crestHighest point or tuft
- crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece
- grayNeutral achromatic hue
- whiteAbsence of pigment
yellow · black · tail · wings · feathers · undertail · breast · belly
Regularly moving between regions
- seasonalRecurring at fixed intervals
- southwardToward the equator's direction
- flywaysAerial migration corridors
- overwinterSurvive the cold season
tropics · journey · stopover · flocking · South America · long-distance · navigation · breeding grounds
passerine
Perching bird order member
insectivorous
Feeding on six-legged creatures
swooping · darting · perching · gleaning · hovering · flitting · snapping · catching · hunting · pursuing
aggressive
Hostile and confrontational
- territorialDefensive about owned space
- defensiveProtective or easily threatened
- dominantHaving superior influence
bold · fierce · assertive · combative · feisty · pugnacious · mobbing · chasing · diving · attacking
plumage
Bird's complete feather coat
white · yellow · black · tail · wings · feathers · undertail · breast · belly
migratory
Regularly moving between regions
- seasonalRecurring at fixed intervals
- southwardToward the equator's direction
- flywaysAerial migration corridors
overwinter · tropics · journey · stopover · flocking · South America · long-distance · navigation · breeding grounds · wintering
nest
Animal-built shelter for young
- eggsReproductive cells in shells
- territoryLand under jurisdiction
- breedingReproductive cultivation of organisms
clutch · fledgling · treetop · branch · defense · incubation · hatchling · brood · mating · courtship