The western kingbird is a large tyrant flycatcher found throughout western North America, as far south as Mexico.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Breeds across the western United States and southern Canada, from the Great Plains to the Pacific slope, and south into northern Mexico. Prefers open habitats such as grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub, ranchlands, and agricultural areas with scattered trees. Common along riparian corridors, roadsides, and human settlements where exposed perches are abundant. Winters mainly in Mexico and Central America in open woodland, savanna, and scrub. Frequently uses utility lines and fence posts as foraging stations.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2600 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A boldly territorial flycatcher, the Western Kingbird often perches on wires and fence posts to sally after flying insects. It readily defends nests by mobbing much larger birds, including hawks and crows. Its distinctive yellow belly and white-edged black tail make it easy to identify at a distance.
in Nevada
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallying flights
Social Behavior
Breeding pairs defend territories vigorously and will mob larger birds near the nest. Nests are open cups placed in trees, shrubs, or human structures, often in exposed forks. Outside the breeding season, they may form loose flocks and roost communally in favored areas.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of sharp, buzzy kip and kit notes, with chattering twitters. The song is not musical but a lively mix of squeaky phrases and rapid scolds, often delivered from exposed perches. Calls carry well across open country.
Plumage
Gray head and upperparts, pale gray breast, and bright yellow belly with a whitish throat. Tail is black with conspicuous white outer edges; wings dusky with faint edging. Overall sleek, smooth plumage with a neat, high-contrast look.
Diet
Primarily hawks flying insects such as beetles, bees, wasps, grasshoppers, and dragonflies, captured on the wing. Also gleans insects from foliage and occasionally from the ground. In late summer and on migration, supplements diet with small fruits and berries.
Preferred Environment
Forages from exposed perches like wires, fence posts, and treetops overlooking open habitats. Common along field edges, riparian corridors, and desert scrub where aerial insects are abundant.
