Tyrannus couchii
The Couch's Kingbird (Tyrannus couchii) is a striking passerine from the family Tyrannidae, a group renowned for their aggressive flycatching abilities. This medium-sized songbird, measuring approximately 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length with a wingspan of 33-36 cm (13-14 inches) and weighing 35-45 grams, is characterized by its bright yellow underparts, olive-green back, dusky head, and a subtle pale throat. Distinctive field marks include a slightly notched tail (less deeply notched than a W...
This species thrives in open woodlands, savannas, riparian corridors, parks, and suburban areas, preferring habitats with scattered tall trees for perching and nesting, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects including flies, bees, wasps, beetles, and butterflies, captured through aerial hawking. During the non-breeding season, they supplement their diet with berries and small fruits.
Couch's Kingbirds are diurnal, conspicuous birds, often perching prominently on exposed branches or utility wires. Their primary foraging strategy is aerial hawking, where they sally forth from a perch to snatch flying insects, returning to the same or a nearby perch. During the breeding season, ...
The primary breeding and resident range of the Couch's Kingbird extends from the lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, southward through eastern Mexico along the Atlantic slope, into Belize, and northern Guatemala. In Texas, its range has notably expanded northwards along riparian corridors in ...
Least Concern
- The Couch's Kingbird was named in honor of Darius N. Couch, an American Army officer and naturalist who collected the first specimen in Mexico in 1853. - Its distinctive voice, often described as a harsh, burry 'breer!' or 'kip!', is the most reliable way to distinguish it from the visually alm...