western kingbird

bird

Also known as: Arkansas kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) is a bird found in the western United States. It is characterized by a pale gray head, back, and breast, a yellow belly, and a black tail with white edges.1

Kingbirds, in general, are known for their pugnacious nature, often chasing larger birds like crows and hawks. The western kingbird, specifically, is light gray above and yellow below, with whitish edges on its outermost tail feathers. Both this species and the eastern kingbird have a concealed red spot on their crown. Kingbirds belong to the family Tyrannidae and are widely distributed from Canada to Argentina.2

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kingbird
The western kingbird (T. verticalis), found westward from the Great Plains, is light gray above and yellow below, with whitish edges on the outermost tail feathers. Both species have a red spot (usually concealed) on the crown.
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The western kingbird (T. verticalis), found westward from the Great Plains, is light gray above and yellow below, with whitish edges on the outermost tail feathers. Both species have a red spot (usually concealed) on the crown.
Read More