Tyrannus caudifasciatus
The Loggerhead Kingbird, Tyrannus caudifasciatus, is a medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length with a wingspan of approximately 38-40 cm and weighing 35-50 grams. Its plumage is characterized by a dark slate-gray head and upperparts, contrasting sharply with clean white underparts. A key, albeit variable, field mark is its black tail, which in some subspecies may exhibit a narrow white terminal band or white outer rectrices, though this can be reduced or en...
Found in open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, cultivated areas, pastures with scattered trees, suburban gardens, and coastal mangroves, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on large insects such as cicadas, grasshoppers, beetles, bees, and wasps caught in flight. They also consume berries, fruits, and occasionally small lizards.
Loggerhead Kingbirds are diurnal and frequently perch conspicuously on exposed branches, wires, or antennas, surveying their territory. Their primary foraging strategy involves sallying forth from these perches to hawk insects in mid-air, often returning to the same or a nearby perch. They are hi...
The Loggerhead Kingbird is a resident species primarily distributed throughout the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas. Its breeding and year-round range encompasses Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caico...
Least Concern
- The name 'Loggerhead' refers to its proportionally large head and famously aggressive disposition, reminiscent of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. - This kingbird is renowned for its fearless territorial defense, often harassing and chasing much larger birds of prey, including hawks and even vultures...