Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)
Western Kingbird

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

The Western Kingbird, known scientifically as Tyrannus verticalis, presents a striking combination of gray and yellow plumage. During courtship or when faced with intruders, it reveals hidden crimson feathers, adding a flash of unexpected color to its otherwise subdued tones.

Identification Tips

Adult Western Kingbirds can be identified by their black, squared tails adorned with white edges. This feature sets them apart from similar species such as Cassin's, Couch's, and the Tropical Kingbird, which share the yellow coloration but differ in tail markings.

Habitat

These birds favor open areas in western North America for their breeding grounds.

Distribution

The Western Kingbird has expanded its range across the Great Plains, thanks to an increase in tree presence due to fire suppression and tree planting. This expansion has also facilitated the spread of many other bird species.

Behaviour

The Western Kingbird lives up to its regal name with a take-charge attitude, fiercely defending its territory against all comers, including larger birds like hawks. They exhibit boldness, not shying away from confronting humans, livestock, or pets if they perceive a threat to their young. Their nests are sturdy cups placed in trees, shrubs, or even atop man-made structures. However, due to the small size of the nest and the rapid growth of the chicks, overcrowding often leads to some being pushed out before they are fully feathered and capable of flight.

Song & Calls

The Western Kingbird's vocalizations include a squeaky chatter reminiscent of a child's toy and a sharp, loud "whit" call. They are known to vocalize even before the dawn breaks.

Breeding

These birds lay a clutch of three to five eggs, which are white, creamy, or pinkish with heavy blotches of brown, black, or lavender. The eggs are incubated for a period of 12 to 14 days.

Diet and Feeding

An opportunistic feeder, the Western Kingbird waits on an open perch and sallies forth to catch insects such as bees, robber flies, winged ants, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also supplement their diet with berries and seeds from plants like buckthorn, sumac, and poison ivy.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Western Kingbird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Western Kingbirds on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Tyrant Flycatchers, Calyptura

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Stewart W
Fantastic to be involved
Fantastic to be involved, great for mental health and gets you responding with the Challenges that are to takd part in.
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Carl B
Helped me to identify more birds
Love this app and has helped me to identify more birds. The challenges and badges are great for keeping the motivation going to get out and keep birding.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.