(Photo) Eastern kingbird

Like the blue jay, the eastern kingbird is an avian aggressor, but unlike the the first bird, the kingbird often takes on birds that are larger than itself, such as crows, blue herons, and amazingly, red-tailed hawks.

Its scientific name is fearsome, Tyrannus tyrannus.

I discovered this kingbird in Morton Grove's Linne Woods restored prairie on Sunday. The species prefers forest edges and its diet consists mainly of insects, supplemented by fruit. Kingbirds winter in South America--where fruit is their main staple.

Related posts:

• Red-tailed hawk eating prey
• Scarlet tanager in Morton Grove
• Red-winged blackbirds
• Sandhill crane
• Royal tern in Cancun

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