The thick-billed kingbird is a large member of the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatchers. It is found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala.
Region
Southwestern North America and Mesoamerica
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Arizona and extreme southwestern New Mexico through western and northern Mexico, south to Guatemala. It is most frequently associated with riparian woodlands, desert washes, and thorn forest edges, especially where tall perches overlook open areas. In arid regions it concentrates near permanent or seasonal watercourses lined with cottonwood, willow, sycamore, or mesquite. In Mexico and Guatemala it also uses subtropical dry forest, second growth, and agricultural margins. It often perches conspicuously on exposed branches, wires, or snags to sally for flying insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The thick-billed kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher noted for its robust, broad-based bill used to snatch insects in flight. In the U.S. it breeds mainly in riparian corridors of southern Arizona and occasionally nearby New Mexico, then withdraws southward outside the breeding season. It favors tall, open-canopy trees along streams and washes, often cottonwood, sycamore, or mesquite. Despite its size, it is agile and aggressively defends nest sites from larger birds.
Temperament
territorial and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies from high perches
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs during the breeding season, defending territories vigorously. Monogamous pairs place open cup nests high in trees along waterways or in large mesquite. Outside breeding, small loose groups may form at rich feeding sites or roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud and sharp, with repeated pik or kip notes and harsh chatters delivered from exposed perches. At dawn it may give a more complex series of buzzy, chattering phrases. Calls carry well along riparian corridors.
