Eastern Kingbirds in Alberta
When eastern kingbirds are present in Alberta, when they nest, which native Alberta plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 2a–4b yard.
- Status in Alberta
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 2a–4b
When to expect eastern kingbirds in Alberta
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in Alberta, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Continental — prairie in the southeast, aspen parkland in the center, boreal forest in the north and the Rockies in the west.
Nesting in Alberta
Across Alberta, eastern kingbirds typically nest from June–July. Nest site: cup on horizontal tree limbs, often over water. Females lay 2–5 eggs, incubate for 14–17 days, and young leave the nest after 16–17 days.
Warm, sunny summers with long days.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, paper birch, pin cherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Alberta plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Alberta, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the Alberta year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In Alberta's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in Alberta year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in Alberta and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in Alberta?
Nesting in Alberta typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 14–17 days.
What native plants attract eastern kingbirds in Alberta?
Smooth sumac, Paper birch, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Golden currant are native plants in Alberta that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Alberta
Sources
- Eastern Kingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Kingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Kingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Alberta
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.