Couch's kingbird is a passerine tyrant flycatcher of the kingbird genus. It is found from southern Texas along the Gulf Coast to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, Belize and northern Guatemala. It is also found in the lower stretches of the Rio Grande Valley.
Region
Gulf Coast of North America and northern Central America
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Texas along the Gulf Coast through northeastern Mexico to the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, and northern Guatemala. Prefers open woodlands, riparian corridors, thornscrub edges, and savanna-like areas with scattered trees. Common along roadsides, pastures, and in suburban parks where tall perches are available. Often found near water and along river bottoms. Uses exposed perches for aerial foraging and aggressive territory defense.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Couch's kingbird is a tyrant flycatcher often confused with the Tropical Kingbird; its voice is the most reliable distinction. It gives loud, burry, rising phrases and rapid chatter, unlike the Tropical’s clearer twittering. It frequently sallies from exposed perches to snap up flying insects. The species honors American naturalist Darius N. Couch.
Santa Ana State Park, Texas
Temperament
assertive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats from perches with strong, direct sallies
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs during the breeding season and small loose groups outside of it. Pairs defend territories vigorously against other kingbirds and larger birds. Nests are open cups placed on horizontal branches or forks in trees, often in semi-open sites. Both parents participate in territorial defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, burry, and rising, often rendered as sharp pi-tik or ki-beer phrases followed by excited chatter. Calls are emphatic and repeated, carrying well in open habitats. The overall quality is harsher and more explosive than the similar Tropical Kingbird.
