Cassin's Kingbird -- South Dakota Birds

Length: 8 - 9 inches Wingspan: 16 inches Seasonality: Summer
ID Keys: Dull yellow underparts, gray back and breast, darker gray head, white chin.

Cassin's Kingbird - Tyrannus vociferans

Cassin's Kingbird - South Dakota Range Map

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

Cassin's Kingbird is very similar to the Western Kingbird and overlaps in range with it, but is found in more wooded habitats than it's close cousin.  Their scientific name "vociferans" comes from their noisy, repetitive morning song.  

Habitat: During the summer breeding season, they are found in semi-open woodlands, including pine forests, oak woodlands, riparian areas, and sometimes in isolated groves.  They are generally found in more open habitats during migration and in winter. 

Diet: Primarily feeds on berries.  Will also feed on fruits and berries, more so than most of the flycatchers.

Nesting: Mid-May through Mid-July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: Song is an exuberant kideer-kideer-kideer

Migrations: Summers in portions of the interior West.  Winters in Mexico and southward. 

Similar Species: Western Kingbird

Status: Numbers appear to be stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Cassin's Kingbird

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Cassin's Kingbird"

3) E-nature.com: Cassin's Kingbird

Photo Information: Photo courtesy of George Jameson.

 

 

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This page was last edited on 02/03/08