The tropical kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher. This bird breeds from southern Arizona and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States through Central America, South America as far as south as central Argentina and eastern Peru, and on Trinidad and Tobago. Birds from the northernmost and southern breeding areas migrate to warmer parts of the range after breeding.
Region
Neotropics
Typical Environment
Found from southern Arizona and south Texas through Mexico and Central America across most of South America to central Argentina and eastern Peru, and on Trinidad and Tobago. It thrives in open and semi-open habitats including savannas, forest edges, riparian corridors, scrub, agricultural fields, and urban parks. Often perches prominently on wires, fence lines, and exposed branches to sally after insects. Tolerant of human presence and common in disturbed landscapes. Northernmost and southernmost breeders shift ranges seasonally to warmer areas after breeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A widespread tyrant flycatcher, the tropical kingbird excels at aerial hawking from exposed perches such as wires and fence posts. It aggressively defends territories, often mobbing much larger birds of prey. It readily occupies human-modified landscapes, including towns, pastures, and roadsides. During nonbreeding seasons some populations move to warmer lowlands and further north or south within the Neotropics.
Temperament
territorial and assertive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and defends territories vigorously. Nests are open cups placed in tree forks or on exposed horizontal branches, sometimes near human structures. Both adults participate in territorial defense; the female primarily incubates while the male often guards and feeds her. Outside breeding, small groups may forage together and join mixed roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include sharp, insistent kip and tchup notes delivered from exposed perches. A lively, chattering series and squeaky trills are common at dawn and during territorial displays. Calls carry well across open country.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with a pale gray head and breast, bright yellow belly, and dusky brown tail that is slightly notched. Throat is whitish, contrasting subtly with the gray breast. Feathers are smooth with minimal streaking, giving a clean, bold contrast between upperparts and underparts.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as beetles, wasps, bees, dragonflies, and flying ants, taken in midair during quick sallies. Also gleans insects from foliage and occasionally from the ground. Seasonally consumes small fruits and berries, especially during nonbreeding periods or in wetter seasons. Rarely takes small vertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Forages from high, exposed perches in open habitats—fence posts, dead snags, utility wires, and tree tops. Frequently hunts along forest edges, river margins, pastures, and urban greenspaces where insect activity is high.
