An extremely common and widespread bird of the American tropics, the Tropical Kingbird barely reaches the United States in south Texas and southern Arizona.

Interesting Information

• Although a widespread bird and a seemingly typical kingbird, the Tropical Kingbird is among the most specialized of flycatchers. It forages almost exclusively by sallying after large flying insects.

• The Tropical Kingbird has become a regular fall visitor to the Pacific Coast of the United States. Nearly every year a few wandering kingbirds are discovered there. Most of these are immature birds.

• The Tropical Kingbird aggressively defends its territory against intruders, including much larger birds such as toucans, hawks and frigatebirds.

• It sings a distinctive song, called the "Dawn Song," beginning before sunrise and ending when the sun appears.

• During courtship displays, the male will perch and flaps his wings, sometimes lifting off from this position.

• A group of kingbirds are collectively known as a "coronation", "court", and "tyranny" of kingbirds.

Description