Eastern Kingbirds in Georgia
When eastern kingbirds are present in Georgia, when they nest, which native Georgia plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–9a yard.
- Status in Georgia
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 7a–9a
When to expect eastern kingbirds in Georgia
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in Georgia, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Humid subtropical, with cooler mountains in the north and a warm coastal plain in the south.
Nesting in Georgia
Across Georgia, eastern kingbirds typically nest from April–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.
Hot, humid summers; bluebirds can raise three broods but boxes in full sun overheat.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar, american beautyberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Georgia plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Georgia, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
High-fat fall fruit critical before migration and winter.
Winter berry-cones and dense roosting cover.
Fall fruit.
Nectar through spring and summer.
Early-summer berries.
Supports hundreds of caterpillar species used to feed nestlings.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the Georgia year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In Georgia's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in Georgia year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in Georgia and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in Georgia?
Nesting in Georgia typically runs April–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 14–17 days.
What native plants attract eastern kingbirds in Georgia?
Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, American beautyberry, Coral honeysuckle, Serviceberry, White oak, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac are native plants in Georgia that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Georgia
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 — Georgia
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- 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.