Western Kingbird

Overview

The western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) is a large tyrant flycatcher found throughout western North America, extending as far south as Mexico. It is characterised by its highly territorial nature and aggressive defence of its nesting sites.

Identification

• A combination of grey and yellow plumage, with crimson feathers hidden until courtship or when confronting intruders.
• Distinguished from similar species by its black, squared tail with white edges.
• Vocalisations include a long series of squeaky bubbling calls, often compared to a squeaky toy, and a loud accented 'kip' call.

Habitat

Breeding habitat consists of open areas in western North America. The range has expanded in the Great Plains over the past century due to fire suppression and tree planting, leading to increasing overlap with the eastern kingbird.

Diet

Forages by waiting on open perches and flying out to catch insects such as bees, robber flies, winged ants, grasshoppers, and spiders. It also consumes berries, buckthorn/sumac, and poison ivy seeds.

Did you know?

Most chicks are pushed out of the nest before they are fully feathered or able to fly, due to overcrowding resulting from the small size of the nest and the rapid rate of their growth.