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Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: TYRANNIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Western Kingbird Photo

© 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology

A conspicuous and aggressive bird of open country, the Western Kingbird is common throughout the western United States and southern Canada. It is often found around human habitation, and frequently uses telephone poles, fence posts, and other man-made structures for nesting.

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Appearance

Flycatchers
Flycatchers
Typical Voice

Adult Description

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

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but paler, wings edged with buff, crown without orange feathers.

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Western Kingbird Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adult
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    Adult
    • © 2004 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Tubac, Arizona, July 2005

Similar Species

  • Similar to Cassin's, Tropical, and Couch's kingbirds.
  • Cassin's has darker gray head, back and breast; more contrasting white chin, and white tip to tail.
  • Tropical and Couch's kingbirds have no white in tail, yellower chest, and larger bill.