Bird Gallery Index

Western Kingbird image © Greg Lavaty

Family: (Tyrannidae) Tyrant Flycatchers

Preferred Habitat: Rural, open country.

Seasonal Occurrence: Uncommon in summer; occasional other times of the year.

Notes: Often easy to spot, Western Kingbirds commonly perch out in the open, on roadside wires or tree branches. They resemble the less common Couch's Kingbird. Best identification marks are their black tails which are narrowly outlined with white feathers. Their bellies are suffused with a yellowish wash; the throat and chest are pale gray.

The Houston Bird Survey has more information and a distribution map for the Western Kingbird.
- Susan Billetdeaux