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Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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A large, noisy, and conspicuous flycatcher of the southwestern United States and Mexico, the Cassin's Kingbird can be distinguished from the other yellow kingbirds by its dark gray head and chest, and the white tip to its black tail.

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Appearance

Flycatcherlike
Flycatcherlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Medium-sized songbird.
  • Head and chest gray.
  • Belly and under tail yellow.
  • Black square-tipped tail with white tip.

Immature Description

Similar to adult except browner on back, red in crown is reduced or lacking, and wingtip feathers lack notches.

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Cassin
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Cassin's Kingbird

    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Patagonia, Arizona

Similar Species

Similar to Western, Tropical, and Couch's kingbirds.

  • Western Kingbird has lighter gray head, back and breast; less contrasting white chin, and white outer tail feathers.
  • Tropical and Couch's kingbirds have yellower chest, larger bill, and no white in tail.