Eastern Kingbirds in North Carolina
When eastern kingbirds are present in North Carolina, when they nest, which native North Carolina plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 5b–8b yard.
- Status in North Carolina
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–8b
When to expect eastern kingbirds in North Carolina
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in North Carolina, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Mountains, Piedmont and coastal plain differ sharply — cool, snowy highlands to mild, humid coast.
Nesting in North Carolina
Across North Carolina, 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.
Warm and humid in the Piedmont and coast; cooler at elevation.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as flowering dogwood, winterberry, serviceberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native North Carolina plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for North Carolina, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
The state flower and a top fall fruit source.
Red fruit held into winter.
June fruit.
Winter food and cover.
Long nectar season.
Fruit clusters persist all winter as emergency food.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the North Carolina year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In North Carolina's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in North Carolina year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in North Carolina and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in North Carolina?
Nesting in North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Flowering dogwood, Winterberry, Serviceberry, Eastern red cedar, Coral honeysuckle, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, White oak are native plants in North Carolina that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Carolina
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 — North Carolina
- 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.