Tyrannus dominicensis
The Grey Kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis, is a distinctive and often assertive member of the Tyrannidae family, instantly recognizable by its robust build and characteristic upright posture. Measuring 21-25 cm in length with a wingspan of 38-40 cm and weighing 40-60 grams, its plumage is a rather plain but elegant ashy gray dorsally, contrasting sharply with pure white underparts. Key field marks include a relatively large head, a strong, flattened black bill, dusky wings and tail (which is s...
Primarily found in open or semi-open habitats, often near coastlines or water bodies, including mangroves, scrubland, urban edges, and pastures. It generally inhabits low elevations, from sea level to a few hundred meters.
The diet of the Grey Kingbird consists predominantly of flying insects, such as bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and dragonflies, captured by aerial hawking. They occasionally supplement their insectivorous diet with small fruits.
Grey Kingbirds are diurnal, often solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season, but may form small groups during migration or winter. They are classic aerial insectivores, employing a 'sally-and-hawk' foraging strategy where they perch conspicuously on high vantage points, sally out to s...
The breeding range of the Grey Kingbird encompasses the southeastern United States, primarily Florida and parts of the Gulf Coast, extending throughout the Bahamas and the Greater Antilles, and north through the Lesser Antilles. During the boreal winter, most northern breeding populations migrate...
Least Concern
- The genus name 'Tyrannus' literally means 'tyrant' in Latin, a fitting descriptor for this bird's famously aggressive and territorial nature, even towards much larger raptors. - They are expert aerial acrobats, capable of catching swift-flying insects with remarkable precision during their char...