Eastern Kingbirds in Vermont
When eastern kingbirds are present in Vermont, when they nest, which native Vermont plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–5b yard.
- Status in Vermont
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
When to expect eastern kingbirds in Vermont
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in Vermont, 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 the Green Mountains and the Champlain Valley.
Nesting in Vermont
Across Vermont, 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, mild summers.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as eastern red cedar, serviceberry, winterberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Vermont plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Vermont, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
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.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the Vermont year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In Vermont's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in Vermont year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in Vermont and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in Vermont?
Nesting in Vermont 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 Vermont?
Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Staghorn sumac, Smooth sumac, White oak, Bur oak, Black cherry are native plants in Vermont that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Vermont
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 — Vermont
- 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.