Eastern Kingbirds in Wyoming
When eastern kingbirds are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Wyoming
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect eastern kingbirds in Wyoming
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in Wyoming, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, 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 cool nights.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, bur oak, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Wyoming plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the Wyoming year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In Wyoming's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in Wyoming year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in Wyoming and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Smooth sumac, Bur oak, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Common hackberry, Rocky Mountain juniper are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — Wyoming
- 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.