Eastern Kingbirds in New Brunswick
When eastern kingbirds are present in New Brunswick, when they nest, which native New Brunswick plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 3a–5b yard.
- Status in New Brunswick
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 3a–5b
When to expect eastern kingbirds in New Brunswick
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in New Brunswick, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Humid continental with Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence coastlines and extensive forest.
Nesting in New Brunswick
Across New Brunswick, 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.
Mild summers.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as serviceberry, winterberry, staghorn sumac for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native New Brunswick plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for New Brunswick, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
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.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue-black fall fruit and dense nesting cover.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the New Brunswick year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In New Brunswick's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in New Brunswick year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in New Brunswick and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in New Brunswick?
Nesting in New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick?
Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Arrowwood viburnum, Virginia creeper are native plants in New Brunswick that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Brunswick
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 — New Brunswick
- 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.