Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 7 inches
* Large head and bill
* Frequents open habitats
* Often seen perched on fences

Adult:

* Dark, unforked tail with white outer tail feathers
* Pale gray head with dark eyeline
* Grayish-olive upperparts
* Pale throat and upper breast
* Pale yellow lower breast to undertail coverts

Juvenile:

* Plumage somewhat duller than adult
* Pale edges to wings

Similar species:
The Western Kingbird is similar to several other species of kingbirds: Tropical and Couch's Kingbirds have forked tails and dark cheeks, Cassin's Kingbird has a darker breast, Western Kingbird has white outer tail feathers, Thick-billed Kingbird usually has whiter underparts and has a darker head. Brown-crested, Ash-throated and Great Crested Flycatchers are somewhat similar but have darker, browner crowns and brown and rusty tails (Western's is black and white).