Tropical Kingbird
ExploreBirds
Tropical Kingbird
tyrannus melancholicus
The Tropical Kingbird is a highly conspicuous and feisty flycatcher native to the Americas. Known for its bold demeanor, this vocal bird is often seen perched high on telephone wires, exposed branches, or fences, from which it launches aerial sallies to capture flying insects. With its bright yellow underparts and contrasting gray head, it is a vibrant addition to semi-open habitats, agricultural lands, and urban parks. It gets its genus name "Tyrannus" (meaning tyrant) from its aggressive defense of its nesting territory against much larger birds, including hawks and caracaras.
Habitat: Found in semi-open areas, agricultural lands, forest edges, and urban parks, often near water sources or elevated perches.
Appearance
This medium-sized flycatcher measures around 22 cm in length and features a bright olive-green back, a pale gray head with a darker mask through the eyes, and a brilliant, solid yellow breast and belly. Its throat is a contrasting pale gray or white, and its tail is dusty brown and distinctly notched. A hidden, bright orange-red crown patch is present on its head, though it is rarely visible unless the bird is excited or engaged in a territorial display.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusTyrannus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite being relatively small, Tropical Kingbirds will fearlessly attack and chase away giant raptors like Harpy Eagles and Crested Caracaras.
The scientific name 'melancholicus' was given because the early naturalist who described it thought its high, whistling call sounded sad or melancholic.
They possess a hidden orange-red patch of feathers on their crown, which they only reveal during territorial displays or when highly excited.
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Hawking
Exhibits incredible agility in flight, launching from high perches to snap up fast-flying insects mid-air before returning to the same spot.
Ability
Fearless Mobbing
Boldly defends its nesting territory by harassing and chasing away much larger predators, such as hawks, crows, and caracaras.
Ability
Crown Display
Flairs open its gray crown feathers to reveal a hidden, fiery orange-red crest used to intimidate rivals or attract mates.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20+ cm
- Wingspan
- 37+ cm
- Weight
- 0.032+ kg
- Lifespan
- 5+ years
- Top Speed
- 40 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2+
- Incubation
- 15+ days
- Migration Distance
- 2500 km
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feeds on flying insects caught mid-air, though it occasionally consumes small berries and fruits, especially during the dry season.
Age differences: Nestlings are fed exclusively high-protein insects by parents, transitioning to include some fruits as adults.
Primary Foods
- Bees
- Wasps
- Beetles
- Butterflies
- Berries
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
Africanized Honey Bee
Apis mellifera scutellata
Feeds heavily on large flying insects, including the Africanized honey bee.
parasite
Shiny Cowbird
Molothrus bonariensis
Frequently targeted by the shiny cowbird, which lays its eggs in the kingbird's nest.
competitor
Social Flycatcher
Myiozetetes similis
Competes for prime perches and aerial insect prey in overlapping territories.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Tropical Kingbird?
The easiest way to identify Tropical Kingbird is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Tropical Kingbird?
20+ cm
What is Tropical Kingbird's wingspan?
37+ cm
How much does Tropical Kingbird weigh?
0.032+ kg
How long does Tropical Kingbird live?
5+ years
How fast can Tropical Kingbird move?
40 km/h
What does Tropical Kingbird eat?
Primarily feeds on flying insects caught mid-air, though it occasionally consumes small berries and fruits, especially during the dry season.
Where is Tropical Kingbird usually found?
Found in semi-open areas, agricultural lands, forest edges, and urban parks, often near water sources or elevated perches.
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