Eastern Kingbird (7×10-Inch Transparent Watercolor on Arches 140lb HP Paper)
I’ve seen Eastern Kingbirds countless times over the years, but this was my first time painting one. I usually encounter them at the edges of fields where they are hunting for insects. Their high contrast plumage is really striking.
Eastern Kingbirds are interesting animals and got their name for bullying other birds, especially during the nesting season. In some illustrated field guides, they are depicted with a small, medial red stripe on their heads. In all the years I’ve spent birding, I’ve never gotten even a tiny glimpse of that feature. I trust that it exists, but it seems pretty worthless as a field mark for identification.
Nashville Warblers have a similar feature, with rusty red feathers on the crown that are seldom visible, at least to me. Maybe I’ve just been unlucky with the Kingbirds, and this summer I’ll finally get a peek at that elusive red stripe. I’m not counting on it, though. Fortunately, Eastern Kingbirds are attractive even when that enigmatic feature is not on display.
