This morning, I encountered an eastern kingbird in our front yard, the first I recall ever seeing in this suburban neighborhood. As I discussed about eastern bluebirds last month, eastern kingbirds are common in central Missouri but generally prefer open country (grasslands, wetlands and farmlands); unlike the bluebirds, they are present only during the warmer months of the year.
We do know that grassland species have been especially affected by suburban sprawl and agricultural expansion and this morning's visitor, like the bluebird residents, may reflect that loss of natural habitat. Indeed, the closest large grassland is about a mile to our southwest.
Many bird species are adaptable creatures, making use of human structures and new food sources when their traditional habitat is destroyed; this is especially true of those that prefer open woodlands, a landscape the we humans mimic with our suburban developments. But grassland species appear to be most vulnerable and their populations have taken the greatest hit. The kingbird is more than welcome on our property but I am sorry that his relocation was necessary.
