Tyrannus vociferans
adult
Cassin’s Kingbird is overall darker than the similar Western Kingbird, with different vocalizations and habitat preferences. The sexes are similar. Adults have a dark gray head, back, and chest, and a bold white throat patch offset by the blackish lores. An orange-red crown patch is invariably hidden. The underparts are bright yellow and separated distinctly from the gray breast. The brown wings have pale feather margins and the tail is dark brown but with a subtle pale tip. Juveniles are similar to adults but the wing feathers have buff margins and the tail’s pale tip is indistinct.
Cassin’s Kingbird is present as a breeding species mainly from April to August. The majority of the population spends the winter months in western Mexico, although small numbers linger in southern California. The species is usually found at higher elevations—typically mountainside woodland—than Western Kingbird, a similar species with which its general range overlaps.
adult
FACT FILE
LENGTH 8.5–9 in (21.5–23 cm)
FOOD Insects, other invertebrates, and fruit
HABITAT Upland oak and pine woodland
STATUS Locally common summer visitor
VOICE Song (sung at dawn) is a series of chrr-chrr-chrr . . . notes. Call is a sharp cha-Beer
