The loggerhead kingbird is a species of sub-oscine passerine bird belonging to the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. This species is found in wooded habitats in the islands of the northern Caribbean, with records of vagrants from Florida.
Region
Northern Caribbean (Greater Antilles and nearby islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across wooded and edge habitats on the Greater Antilles and adjacent islands, including mangroves, dry and moist forests, plantations, and gardens. It favors semi-open areas with scattered tall trees for perching and foraging. Common along coastal zones but also present inland in foothills and montane valleys. Often uses human-altered landscapes where large perches remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A large, heavy-billed kingbird of the northern Caribbean, easily recognized by its bold white terminal band on the tail. It hunts from exposed perches, sallying out to catch flying insects and occasionally taking small lizards and fruits. Several island subspecies show slight differences in size and tone. Rare vagrants have reached southern Florida.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with sallying flights from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories year-round. During breeding, pairs build a cup nest high in a tree and defend the area vigorously against intruders. Both parents feed the nestlings, captured mainly by aerial sallies.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, metallic kips and chattering series of squeaks and rattles. Dawn is often the most vocal period, with repeated phrases delivered from a high perch.
Plumage
Dusky gray-brown above with clean white underparts and a contrasting white throat. Wings are dark with pale edging, and the tail is dark with a distinct white terminal band. The head is dark with a subtle pale eyebrow; crown may show a concealed orange patch when the feathers are raised.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying insects such as bees, wasps, beetles, and dragonflies, captured by quick sallies from prominent perches. It also gleans prey from foliage and occasionally hawks low over clearings. On some islands it supplements its diet with small fruits and berries, and will opportunistically take small lizards.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, mangroves, and open woodlands where tall perches offer clear lines of sight. Readily uses telephone wires, snags, and exposed branches in agricultural areas and gardens.
