About the Western Kingbird
The western kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher found throughout western North America, as far south as Mexico.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Adults are a combination of both gray and yellow plumage, along with crimson feathers that are hidden until courtship or against intruders. Characteristic of kingbird species, the western kingbird is very territorial. Although the western is often misidentified as Cassin's kingbird, Couch's kingbird, or the tropical kingbird due to the yellow coloration, it can be distinguished from these other species through its black, squared tail with white edges.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Western Kingbird lives
When to see the Western Kingbird
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Cassin's KingbirdTyrannus vociferansAdults have a gray head with slightly darker cheeks; a dark unforked tail with a buffy fringe and gray-olive underparts.
Scissor-tailed FlycatcherTyrannus forficatusAdult birds have pale gray heads and upper parts, light underparts, salmon-pink flanks and undertail coverts, and dark gray wings.
Tropical KingbirdTyrannus melancholicusAn adult tropical kingbird is 22 cm (8.7 in) long, weighs 39 g (1.4 oz) and has a wingspan range of 38–41 cm.
Side by side: Eastern Kingbird vs Western Kingbird · Tropical Kingbird vs Western Kingbird · Cassin's Kingbird vs Western Kingbird · Scissor-tailed Flycatcher vs Western Kingbird
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