Eastern Kingbirds in Iowa
When eastern kingbirds are present in Iowa, when they nest, which native Iowa plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–6a yard.
- Status in Iowa
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–6a
When to expect eastern kingbirds in Iowa
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in Iowa, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Humid continental prairie state, with loess hills in the west and the Driftless Area in the northeast.
Nesting in Iowa
Across Iowa, eastern kingbirds typically nest from May–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 with thunderstorms.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, serviceberry, winterberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Iowa plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Iowa, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the Iowa year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In Iowa's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in Iowa year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in Iowa and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in Iowa?
Nesting in Iowa typically runs May–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 14–17 days.
What native plants attract eastern kingbirds in Iowa?
Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, White oak, Bur oak, Black cherry are native plants in Iowa that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Iowa
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 — Iowa
- 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.