Eastern Kingbirds in Texas
When eastern kingbirds are present in Texas, when they nest, which native Texas plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 6b–10a yard.
- Status in Texas
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 6b–10a
When to expect eastern kingbirds in Texas
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in Texas, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Humid subtropical in the east and along the Gulf, semi-arid to arid in the west; long, hot summers and short, mild winters over most of the state.
Nesting in Texas
Across Texas, eastern kingbirds typically nest from April–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.
Afternoon highs regularly exceed 95°F — nest boxes need shade or light-colored, ventilated construction, and water matters as much as food.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as yaupon holly, american beautyberry, coral honeysuckle for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Texas plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Texas, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Evergreen cover plus red winter berries on female plants.
Clusters of purple fruit from late summer into fall.
Native tubular red flowers; not the invasive Japanese honeysuckle.
Acorns and a huge insect load for foraging and nestling food.
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the Texas year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In Texas's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in Texas year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in Texas and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in Texas?
Nesting in Texas typically runs April–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 14–17 days.
What native plants attract eastern kingbirds in Texas?
Yaupon holly, American beautyberry, Coral honeysuckle, Live oak, Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Smooth sumac are native plants in Texas that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Texas
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 — Texas
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
- Texas Breeding Bird Atlas — Texas A&M
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.