About Tyrannus verticalis Say, 1823
Adults of Tyrannus verticalis (western kingbird) have a mix of gray and yellow plumage, plus crimson feathers that stay hidden unless the bird is courting or confronting an intruder. Like other kingbird species, the western kingbird is highly territorial. It is often confused with Cassin's kingbird, Couch's kingbird, and tropical kingbird because of its yellow coloration, but it can be told apart from these species by its black, squared tail with white edges. The species breeds in open habitats in western North America. Over the past century, increased tree coverage across the Great Plains caused by fire suppression and tree planting has helped the western kingbird expand its range, alongside many other bird species.
