
Female Eastern Kingbirds are busy building nests and in about a week they will be laying clutches of three or four eggs. It is unusual for these birds to have a second brood. A small clutch and a single nesting period translate into fairly low productivity for this species.
Ornithologists suggest that the Eastern Kingbird’s low reproductive rate is related to the fact that they rely heavily on flying insects for food, the supply of which can be limited if cool, wet weather occurs. In addition, Eastern Kingbirds care for their young for three to five weeks after the young fledge, longer than many species of birds. This also limits the time available for a second brood.
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