Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis. Large flying insects; some fruit in late summer.
Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)Western KingbirdTyrannus verticalis
- Scientific name
- Tyrannus verticalis
- Length
- 7.9–9.4 in
- Weight
- 1.3–1.6 oz
- Nest
- Bulky cup on a limb, utility pole or building ledge
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 3–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 18–19 days
- Broods
- 1 per season
Identification
- Pale grey head and chest with a lemon belly
- Black tail with white outer edges
- Heavy black bill
Voice
Sharp, bickering 'kip' notes and squeaky chatters.
Diet and feeding
Large flying insects; some fruit in late summer.
What do western kingbirds eat? · Best feeder for western kingbirds
Western Kingbirds by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Arizona | Summer breeder | April–July |
| British Columbia | Summer breeder | June–July |
| California | Summer breeder | April–July |
| Colorado | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Idaho | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Kansas | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Manitoba | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Montana | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Nebraska | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Nevada | Summer breeder | May–July |
| New Mexico | Summer breeder | May–July |
| North Dakota | Summer breeder | June–July |
| Oklahoma | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Oregon | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Saskatchewan | Summer breeder | June–July |
| South Dakota | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Texas | Summer breeder | April–July |
| Utah | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Washington | Summer breeder | May–July |
| Wyoming | Summer breeder | June–July |
Frequently asked
What do western kingbirds eat?
Large flying insects; some fruit in late summer. At feeders: none — open country with wires and fences is the draw.
How big is a Western Kingbird?
7.9–9.4 in long and 1.3–1.6 oz.
Do western kingbirds use birdhouses?
No. Bulky cup on a limb, utility pole or building ledge.
Sources
- Western Kingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Kingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Kingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.