Tyrannus vociferans
The Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) is a robust and vocal flycatcher, a characteristic presence in the arid and semi-arid landscapes of the American Southwest and Mexico. Measuring 8.3-9.4 inches (21-24 cm) in length with a wingspan of 15.0-16.1 inches (38-41 cm) and weighing around 1.3-1.8 ounces (36-50 g), it possesses a large head, stout bill, and an overall gray head and chest that transitions to a pale yellow belly, complemented by an olive-gray back and a dark tail. A key, thoug...
Primarily inhabits semi-open woodlands, savannas, riparian corridors, and arid scrublands with scattered tall trees, often near water sources. Found from sea level up to elevations of 8,500 feet (2,600 meters) in montane regions.
Primarily insectivorous, catching a wide variety of flying insects like bees, wasps, beetles, and grasshoppers through aerial hawking. During fall and winter, their diet is significantly supplemented with small fruits and berries.
Cassin's Kingbirds are diurnal and highly active predators, typically perching conspicuously on exposed branches, utility wires, or other elevated vantage points. Their primary foraging strategy involves aerial hawking, where they sally forth to catch flying insects, often returning to the same o...
The breeding range of the Cassin's Kingbird spans the southwestern United States, extending from central California eastward through Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and western Texas, and southward into much of Mexico. During the non-breeding season, most northern populations migrate...
Least Concern
- Named after John Cassin, a prominent American ornithologist and curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. - Despite their relatively small size, Cassin's Kingbirds are fiercely territorial and will aggressively mob much larger birds of prey, including Red-tailed Hawks and eagl...