Eastern Kingbirds in Manitoba
When eastern kingbirds are present in Manitoba, when they nest, which native Manitoba plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.
- Status in Manitoba
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–3b
When to expect eastern kingbirds in Manitoba
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in Manitoba, 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, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.
Nesting in Manitoba
Across Manitoba, 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 summers with a short, intense nesting season.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, bur oak, american elderberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Manitoba plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Manitoba, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the Manitoba year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In Manitoba's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in Manitoba year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in Manitoba and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in Manitoba?
Nesting in Manitoba 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 Manitoba?
Smooth sumac, Bur oak, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Eastern white pine, Paper birch are native plants in Manitoba that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Manitoba
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 — Manitoba
- 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.