
This is the common yellow-bellied kingbird across much of the Western U.S. The black tail with white outer edges is distinctive. Plain brownish-black wings contrast with the light olive-gray back. The head is pale gray, with an indistinct darker mask running from the bill through the eye. The throat is whitish, darkening to pale gray on the breast and transitioning to yellow on the belly and vent. The bill is fairly small. Recently-fledged juveniles are smaller than adults. They have shorter tails and bills, but are similar in plumage. A good online comparison of Western, Couch's, and Tropical Kingbird specimens can be found at this link: A good online comparison of museum specimens can be found at this link: http://birds.cornell.edu/crows/kingbirdsX.htm
Length: 20 (cm) Wingspan: 38 (cm)
Voice:
Call consists of single or repeated sharp kip notes. Song is a series of single kips and sputtering trills.
Habitat:
Uses a variety of open habitats with scattered trees or man-made structures for perching.
Behavior:
Commonly perches on fencelines and utility lines. Often builds its nest on electrical pole transformers.
Feeding:
Flycatches. Also captures insects from foliage and the ground. Eats some fruit in winter.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
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Sightings
Date | Submitted By | Count |
---|---|---|
06/05/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | 1 |
06/05/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | 1 |
06/05/18 | Steven Mauvais, OR | 1 |
06/28/16 | Steven Mauvais, OR | 2 |
05/12/15 | Steven Mauvais, OR | # |
05/05/15 | Steven Mauvais, OR | 2 |
05/16/14 | Julia Richert, OR | 4 |
05/23/14 | Dave Irons, OR | 7 |
05/23/14 | Dave Irons, OR | 1 |
05/23/14 | Dave Irons, OR | 2 |
05/12/10 | Chelsea Bassanese, BC | # |
05/20/10 | Chelsea Bassanese, BC | # |
09/01/13 | Dave Irons, OR | 1 |
06/30/13 | Nina Bohn | # |
06/29/13 | Nina Bohn | # |
Recent Activity
Activity | Date & Time |
---|---|
Dave Irons answered a question for the Western Kingbird | 4/13/2013 at 6:43AM |
Diana Lynn asked a question for the Western Kingbird | 4/12/2013 at 12:50PM |
Steven Mauvais added Western Kingbird to their Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge smart list | 1/10/2012 at 2:54PM |
Dan Mitchell added Western Kingbird to their Hat Rock State Park, Umatilla, Oregon smart list | 9/23/2011 at 8:02PM |
Dave Irons added Western Kingbird to their Stoller Road Pastures, Lafayette, Yamhill Co., OR smart list | 4/29/2011 at 11:41PM |