western kingbird
1. Bird Name
The bird under review is the Western Kingbird, scientifically known as Tyrannus Verticalis.
2. Appearance
The Western Kingbird is an attractive bird species known for its large head and a bill well adapted for catching insects on the fly. It boasts a rich lemon-yellow belly and a gray-brown upper body, capped with a darker head. The bird’s tail is predominantly black with noticeable white outer edges which flash distinctively during flight. The birds have a long, pointed, and slightly hooked beak, which is perfect for their insectivorous diet. The color of their beak is typically black, and the eyes are dark brown. There is no significant difference in appearance between males and females.
3. Size
Adult Western Kingbirds average between 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length. Their wingspan ranges around 38-40 cm (15-16 inches). As for weight, these birds range between 33-42 grams (1.2-1.5 ounces).
4. Habitat and Distribution
A common sight in western North America from the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast States, Western Kingbirds inhabit open areas, including sagebrush, deserts, roadsides, agricultural lands, and suburban areas. In the winter, they migrate to Central America and the coastal parts of South America.
5. Interesting Facts
(i) Despite their territorial nature, these kingbirds can surprisingly form flocks of thousands during migration.
(ii) Surprisingly courageous, they are often spotted attacking larger birds that venture near their nests including hawks and crows.
(iii) Their scientific name Tyrannus Verticalis directly translates to ‘Tyrant of the Western Wall’ due to their aggressive defense of their territory.
6. Diet
The Western Kingbird is predominantly insectivorous. They eat a variety of insects, such as beetles, wasps, bees, and ants, often capturing these while they are in flight. On the side, they also eat berries and occasionally small fruits.
7. Behavior and Sounds
Western Kingbirds are social birds, often perching on power lines or trees in pairs or small groups. They have a fast, direct flight pattern. One of their unique behaviors is their “flycatching” method of feeding, where they wait on a perch then fly out to snatch flying insects in mid-air. They have a staccato chattering call of “kit-ti-wa-aak”.
8. Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies the Western Kingbird as being of “Least Concern,” which means it’s not considered currently at risk of extinction.
9. Lifespan
On average, Western Kingbirds live for about 6-7 years in the wild. Lifespan data from captivity isn’t widely available.
10. Additional Notes:
In Spanish, the Western Kingbird is known as “Tirano occidental”. These birds play an essential role in controlling insect populations in their habitats. Despite their name, they are one of the most migratory kinds, traveling thousands of miles from North to Central and South America yearly. They have displayed resilience in adapting to human-modified environments, and their population is generally stable. Contemporary birdwatchers consider encountering a Western Kingbird as a fantastic experience due to their beauty and bold behavior.
