Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Identification & Behavior: ~22 cm (8.6 in). The Tropical Kingbird has a gray mantle with a tinge of yellow and brownish wings. The head is gray. The throat is whitish grading to olive on the breast and then to yellow towards the rest of the underparts. The tail is long and notched. The wing coverts are narrowly edged with whitish. It forages in semi-open habitats, forest edges, and second growth. It is similar to the White-throated kingbird but is distinguished by having a gray head and an olive chest that grades to yellow toward the underparts. Also, see Snowy-throated Kingbird.

Status: The Tropical Kingbird is common and widespread in most of Peru except for the high Andes and the south western lowlands. It ranges from sea level up to 3500 m. The Tropical Kingbird also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Tirano Tropical.

Sub-species: Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus melancholicus), Vieillot, 1819.

Meaning of Name: Tyrannus: L. turannos, tyrannus= tyrant. melancholicus: L. melancholia= melancholy, bile, melancholicus melancholic.

See more of the Family Tyrannidae