Eastern Kingbird pair on nest!
June 9, 2013 in Nearby Landbirds
According to Mass Audubon Breeding Bird Atlas, Eastern Kingbird nests are generally placed from 2 to 60 feet high in a shrub or tree, often near or over water. Heights ranged from 4 to 40 feet. Both sexes gather straw, twigs, grass, and even string and strips of cloth for the construction of a bulky cup nest, which appears somewhat rough and ragged on the outside but has a neat interior lined with fine grasses, rootlets, hair, and plant down. The earliest date for nest building in the state was May 10 (CNR). Typical clutches consist of three or four (rarely five) eggs, which are white with irregular brownish blotches. The female does most of the incubating for 12 to 14 days, while the ever-watchful male remains perched nearby.
5 photos posted including images of ever watchful male: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/150743601 Click “next” upper right to advance…enjoy!