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Western Kingbird
ExploreBirds
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
The Western Kingbird is a cheerful bird with a bright yellow belly and a gray head. They love to catch insects in the air and are often seen perched on fences or wires, singing their happy songs.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Western Kingbird has a sleek, gray head and back, contrasting with a bright yellow belly. Its most distinctive feature is a dark tail with crisp white outer edges, making it easy to identify even in flight.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusTyrannus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
During migration, they can travel thousands of kilometers from north to south.
Sometimes, they eat berries and fruit, especially when insects are scarce.
Their nests are sometimes made of fine twigs, plant fibers, and even bits of string.
They often perch on fences or wires, looking like tiny sentinels of the prairie.
Special abilities
Ability
Aerial Hunter
Western Kingbirds can catch flying insects mid-air with incredible speed because of their agile flight and sharp eyesight.
Ability
Nest Defender
Western Kingbirds can bravely chase much larger birds, like hawks, away from their nests that helps protect their young.
Ability
Hidden Crown
Western Kingbirds have a hidden orange crown patch that they can flash to signal warnings or display during courtship.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20-24 cm
- Wingspan
- 38-41 cm
- Weight
- 0.033-0.055 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-8 years
- Top Speed
- 45 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-5
- Incubation
- 14-17 days
- Migration Distance
- 3000 km
Diet & Feeding
These birds mostly eat flying insects, but sometimes snack on berries and small fruits.
Primary Foods
- Flies
- Bees
- Wasps
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Berries
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eaten by
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Eats eggs and nestlings.
eaten by
Cooper's Hawk
Accipiter cooperii
Preys on adult kingbirds.
eaten by
Domestic Cat
Felis catus
Predator in human-modified landscapes.
hunts
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Catches insects mid-flight.
Traits
Feathered
Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Singing
Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Western Kingbird?
20-24 cm
What is Western Kingbird's wingspan?
38-41 cm
How much does Western Kingbird weigh?
0.033-0.055 kg
How long does Western Kingbird live?
3-8 years
How fast can Western Kingbird move?
45 km/h
What does Western Kingbird eat?
These birds mostly eat flying insects, but sometimes snack on berries and small fruits.
Where is Western Kingbird usually found?
Grasslands
How does Western Kingbird hunt?
Pursuit
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