Sunday, July 24, 2011

Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis

All The Birds Of North America: Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis

This insect-feeder is abundant in most of the West, especially on rangeland and in agricultural areas, where it perches atop trees and poles. Like other members of the tyrant-flycatcher family, it is not afraid to attack larger birds, such as crows and hawks, when these intruders unwittingly approach the nest. The Western Kingbird catches its food on the wing, darting swiftly out from its perch to snatch a flying insect.

Identification 8-9Vz". Head, neck, and upper breast pale gray (darkest on crown); back darker gray with greenish wash; lower breast and belly yellow. Tail long, black, with white outer edges. Red feathers on crown usually concealed.

Voice A loud whit or kit; also various shrill calls and chattering notes.

Habitat Chaparral, orchards, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and other open areas with scattered trees.

Range Breeds from ร. British Columbia and Manitoba to ร. California and รพ. Texas; absent from Pacific Northwest. Winters in Central America

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