Range limited to coastal Florida.
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Description of the Gray Kingbird
BREEDING MALE
The Gray Kingbird has pale gray upperparts and crown, darker wings and tail, a black mask through the eye, and white underparts.
Photograph Greg Lavaty
Female
Sexes similar.
Seasonal change in appearance
None.
Juvenile
Similar to adults.
Habitat
Roadsides and partially wooded areas.
Diet
Insects and berries.
Behavior
Forages by flying out from a perch to capture flying insects.
Range
Breeds in much of coastal Florida, the Keys and winters in the Caribbean.
Fun Facts
Male Gray Kingbirds are most aggressive in territory defense around sunrise.
Gray Kingbirds frequently eject cowbird eggs laid in their nests.
Vocalizations
A buzzy, two-syllable song with an accented second syllable is given.
Similar Species
- Eastern Kingbirds are black above.
Nesting
The nest is a cup of weeds, twigs, and other plant materials and is placed in mangrove branches or in taller trees.
Number: 3-4. ?
Color: Pale pink with darker markings.
Incubation and fledging:
– Young hatch at 14-16 days.
– Young fledge (leave the nest) in 16-18 days after hatching but remain with the adults for some time.