Eastern Kingbirds in North Dakota
When eastern kingbirds are present in North Dakota, when they nest, which native North Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–4b yard.
- Status in North Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
When to expect eastern kingbirds in North Dakota
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in North Dakota, 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 northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Nesting in North Dakota
Across North Dakota, 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.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, smooth sumac, bur oak for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native North Dakota plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for North Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
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 fruit on red stems in early fall.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the North Dakota year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In North Dakota's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in North Dakota year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in North Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in North Dakota?
Nesting in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Eastern red cedar, Smooth sumac, Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in North Dakota that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in North Dakota
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 Dakota
- 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.