Eastern Kingbirds in British Columbia
When eastern kingbirds are present in British Columbia, when they nest, which native British Columbia plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–9a yard.
- Status in British Columbia
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–9a
When to expect eastern kingbirds in British Columbia
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in British Columbia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Temperate rainforest on the coast, dry interior valleys and mountains, and boreal forest in the northeast.
Nesting in British Columbia
Across British Columbia, 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.
Dry, warm coastal summers; hot in the Okanagan.
- 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 British Columbia plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for British Columbia, 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.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the British Columbia year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In British Columbia's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in British Columbia year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in British Columbia and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in British Columbia?
Nesting in British Columbia 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 British Columbia?
Smooth sumac, Paper birch, Pin cherry, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Ponderosa pine are native plants in British Columbia that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in British Columbia
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 — British Columbia
- 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.