Great Kiskadee

The great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, is a vibrant and robust member of the tyrant flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. It is the sole representative of its genus, easily recognized by its size, which ranges from 25 to 28 cm in length, and its weight between 53 to 71.5 grams. The species exhibits a striking head pattern with a black crown, a bold white supercilium, and a hidden yellow crown stripe. The upperparts are a warm brown, while the wings and tail display rufous fringes. Its bill is notably short, thick, and black.

Identification Tips

To identify the great kiskadee, look for the distinctive head pattern, the strong white supercilium, and the concealed yellow crown stripe. The brown upperparts, rufous fringes on the wings and tail, and the stout black bill are key characteristics. It can be distinguished from the similar boat-billed flycatcher by the latter's more massive bill and olive-brown back.

Habitat

The great kiskadee is quite adaptable, inhabiting open woodlands with tall trees, areas of human habitation, and even urban environments. It thrives in a variety of settings, from grasslands to cultivated lands.

Distribution

This species has a broad range, found from the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas through Central America, and down to southern Argentina. It has been introduced to Bermuda and Tobago, where it has established populations.

Behaviour

The great kiskadee is an omnivorous and opportunistic feeder, known for its aggressive and alert demeanor. It hunts from perches, sallying forth to catch insects in flight or pouncing on small vertebrates. It is also known to dive into shallow waters for aquatic prey. Its presence is often announced by its loud and exuberant calls.

Song & Calls

The call of the great kiskadee is a distinctive and exuberant "BEE-tee-WEE." Its vocalizations have inspired its onomatopoeic name in various languages, such as "bem-te-vi" in Brazil and "bien-te-veo" in Spanish-speaking countries.

Breeding

Great kiskadees are monogamous and territorial during the breeding season. They construct large, domed nests with side entrances, often in exposed locations. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 4 light yellowish cream eggs, which are incubated solely by her while the male stands guard.

Diet and Feeding

The great kiskadee's diet is varied, including insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally seeds and fruit. It has been observed feeding on a range of prey, from small snakes and lizards to spiders, millipedes, and land snails. It is also known to visit feeding stations for supplementary food.

Conservation status

The great kiskadee is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is not a common target for the pet trade and has proven adaptable to various environments, contributing to its stable population status.