Tyrannus verticalis
The Western Kingbird, a striking member of the tyrant flycatcher family (Tyrannidae), is an iconic species of open country across western North America. This medium-sized songbird measures approximately 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length, boasts a wingspan of 38-41 cm (15-16 inches), and weighs between 35-50 grams. Its distinctive appearance features a pale gray head and chest that contrasts sharply with a bright lemon-yellow belly and undertail coverts. A key field mark, especially noticeable i...
Found in open country with scattered trees and shrubs, including agricultural lands, orchards, urban parks, and suburban areas, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of flying insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, bees, and wasps, captured through aerial hawking; occasionally supplements its diet with berries or small fruits.
Western Kingbirds are diurnal and highly active foragers, often seen perched conspicuously on fences, utility lines, or dead snags. Their primary foraging strategy involves making aerial sallies from an exposed perch to hawk insects in mid-air, sometimes hovering briefly before capturing prey. Du...
The Western Kingbird breeds extensively across western North America, from southern Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) south through the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Intermountain West, and Pacific Coast states of the United States, reaching into northern Mexico. Its bre...
Least Concern
- Often called the 'Bully of the Plains' or 'Bee Martin' due to its aggressive defense of its nesting territory against much larger birds, including hawks, crows, and even eagles. - Its scientific name, *Tyrannus verticalis*, means 'upright tyrant', a fitting description for its erect posture and...