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Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus
Tropical Kingbird

A medium-sized songbird found in parts of Central and South America, known for its bold yellow belly, grayish-brown upperparts, and its habit of perching conspicuously and sallying forth to catch flying insects.

Sam Crowe
Updated: March 22, 2023
Birds IDENTIFICATION

Although most of its breeding range lies well south of the U.S., the Tropical Kingbird breeds in Arizona and Texas and has expanded its U.S. breeding range somewhat in recent decades. Tropical Kingbirds breeding in Arizona are migratory, while Texas breeders are year-round residents.

Like other members of its genus, the Tropical Kingbird is known for its aggressive nest defense and its willingness to chase other species of birds if they approach a nest site. In non-migratory populations, pairs maintain bonds year-round.

Tropical Kingbird

Description of the Tropical Kingbird

BREEDING MALE

Tropical Kingbird

The Tropical Kingbird has grayish-green upperparts, yellow underparts, a gray head with a dark eye line and a white throat, and a brownish tail.

Female

Sexes similar.

Seasonal change in appearance

None.

Juvenile

Similar to adults.

Habitat

Riparian trees and semi-open areas.

Diet

Insects.

Behavior

Forages by flying out from a perch to capture flying insects.

Range

Breeds in southeastern Arizona and in Big Bend National Park, and is resident in south Texas. Also occurs in Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Fun Facts

Tropical Kingbirds often ruffle their crown feathers during aggressive interactions.

Tropical Kingbirds living in areas where they are permanent residents maintain pair bonds year-round.

Vocalizations

The call is a series of rapid “pip-pip-pip” notes.

Scientific name: Tyrannus melancholicus

Although most of its breeding range lies well south of the U.S., the Tropical Kingbird breeds in Arizona and Texas and has expanded its U.S. breeding range somewhat in recent decades. Tropical Kingbirds breeding in Arizona are migratory, while Texas breeders are year-round residents.

Like other members of its genus, the Tropical Kingbird is known for its aggressive nest defense and its willingness to chase other species of birds if they approach a nest site. In non-migratory populations, pairs maintain bonds year-round.

 

Similar Species

  • Couch’s Kingbird is very similar but has a slightly shorter and thicker bill and greener back.  Range and call best ID tools.
Couch's Kingbird

Photograph © Greg Lavaty.

Nesting

The nest is a cup of plant materials placed in a tree.

Number: 3-4.
Color: Buff with darker markings.

Incubation and fledging: 
– Young hatch at 15-16 days.
– Young fledge (leave the nest) in 18-19 days after hatching but remain with the adults for some time.

About the Author

Sam Crowe
Sam is the founder of Birdzilla.com. He has been birding for over 30 years and has a world list of over 2000 species. He has served as treasurer of the Texas Ornithological Society, Sanctuary Chair of Dallas Audubon, Editor of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" web site and as a contributing editor for Birding Business magazine. Many of his photographs and videos can be found on the site.

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