Loggerhead Kingbird

The Loggerhead Kingbird, known scientifically as Tyrannus caudifasciatus, is a robust species of bird belonging to the Tyrannidae family. It is a large kingbird, measuring approximately 23 cm in length. The upper parts of its plumage are a dark grey, while the underparts are a crisp white. Its head is a striking black, contrasting with the white throat and cheeks. Although it sports an orange or yellow crown patch, this feature is often hidden and seldom seen in the wild. The tail is squared with a distinctive buffy-white band at the end.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Loggerhead Kingbird, look for its dark grey upperparts and white underparts. The black head with white throat and cheeks is a key characteristic. The tail is squared and ends with a buffy-white band, which can be a helpful feature to distinguish it from other kingbirds. The concealed orange or yellow crown patch is typically not visible in the field.

Habitat

The Loggerhead Kingbird is found in a variety of natural habitats, including subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. These environments provide the necessary conditions for the kingbird to thrive.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed throughout the West Indies. It can be observed in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola (comprising the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and on rare occasions, it has been spotted in southern Florida.

Diet and Feeding

The Loggerhead Kingbird is an opportunistic feeder, preying on flying insects, which it often catches in mid-air. Additionally, it supplements its diet with small fruits, berries, and occasionally small lizards.

Conservation status

The Loggerhead Kingbird is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This indicates that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher level of concern.