Length: 8-9 in. long
Weight: 37-54g
Winter: mostly fruits
Summer: mostly flying insects
Pairs usually monogamous and often remate and reuse former territories in subsequent
years, but extra-pair copulations and intraspecific brood parasitism occur; no evidence of
second broods if first nest of 2-5 eggs fledges young; adults often reject cowbird eggs
from nest
Low survival rates on average, but both male and female known to breed for up to seven years.
These birds often utilize habitats near people, which can sometimes lead to conflicts.
Their use of areas (like orchards) where pesticides are commonly used may become a
problem. Kingbirds are often killed by automobiles since they often nest and forage near
roads. Declines in small farming operations over the last 30 years has probably affected
kingbirds negatively due to loss of open space.