There is not an atom of the shrinking violet about ARKANSAS KINGBIRDS. They are confident, courageous and entirely willing to stay in the spot light. The males select the most conspicuous perch near their nest, assuming — and discharging with aplomb — self-imposed duties of feathered-policemen. Some individuals do not hesitate to attack a human intruder, flying at his face with well-aimed swoops. Different birds nesting within the sacred area escape many dangers that otherwise might befall them. Like other Flycatchers their food is nearly entirely of insects and they perform a very important part in holding hexopada in check.
Western North America, north to southern British Columbia, east to Minnesota and western Texas.