Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

WEKI

Order: Passeriformes | Family: Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
Western Kingbird 1

Bird Description

Common in W, scarce but regular in E, particularly in late fall. Scarce winter visitor to s. FL. Favors open fields and areas with scattered trees. The default ‘yellow’ kingbird. Sits on open perches — fences, bushes, trees, flower heads. Often found with or near STFL. Usually in ones and twos, but occasionally small groups, sits around waiting for unsuspecting insects, returning to perch to eat. Seemingly happy, will often up and fly to another area. ID: A medium-sized kingbird with average proportions. Bill can often look quite stubby. Tail rarely appears long and is usually square or even rounded. Slightly larger and slimmer with more angular and pointed wings than EAKI. Colors intermediate between CAKI and TRKI/COKI. Mantle usually a mix of green and gray — it can appear either color. White outer tail feathers, most easily seen in flight, are diagnostic (sometimes difficult to see). Juv: paler with broad pale fringes to coverts. Molts into adult-like plumage late summer.

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