The eastern Kingbird is a familiar roadside bird in Ontario during the warmer months.

It frequently builds its nest out in the open and does not hesitate to attack any interloper, even much larger birds: hence its name.

This is a medium-sized flycatcher, smaller than a robin and larger than a House Sparrow.

The white underparts, black upper parts and white tip to the tail are its distinguishing characteristics.

It often perches on roadside wires or dead twigs and sallies forth to snap up a passing insect, returning again to its original perch.

It utters a defiant “dickle-dickle-dickle” when defending its nest.

Dr. J. Murray Speirs