Bird Description

The common and widespread kingbird in most of the region. Usually found in open fields with some cover, but also parks, gardens, and even clearings within heavily wooded areas. Noisy, sitting and in flight, a variety of sharp 'zeeet' notes, often repeated rapidly. Sits on perches high or low waiting for food to fly by. Flies back from its sortie with shallow fluttery wingbeats, calling triumphantly (probably trying to impress a nearby admirer). ID: Medium-sized and solidly built. 2-toned, simple but always striking. Black cap creates a clean line with white cheeks, easy to see at long distances. Diagnostic broad white terminal band to black tail also easy to see with any decent view. Juv: similar to adult but duller, often with brown mixed into upperparts and cap, and with smudgy border between cap and white cheeks. Buff wing bars soon wear paler. Underparts, including underwing coverts, are white, often with gray or yellowish wash.