From Opus

Photo by Michael W
Location: Santa Ana NWR in south Texas.

Tyrannus couchii

[edit] Identification

8 1/2" (22 cm). Bright yellow underparts, olive back, and dark patch through eye. Slightly forked brown tail without white.

[edit] Similar Species

The Tropical Kingbird, very rare in southern Texas (but the two a widely sympatric to the south) is almost identical in appearance but has distinctive twittering calls and a longer bill.

[edit] Distribution

Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. In the USA, found only on the extreme southern tip of Texas.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Open areas in trees near water.

[edit] Behaviour

Perches on trees and wires to sally for insects. Acrobatic flight while pursuing prey.

[edit] External Links