During the breeding season in North America, this tyrant flycatcher is fairly common and widespread, occurring from the Gulf of Mexico to northern Canada, and from the Atlantic seaboard to the Rocky Mountains. Here in Colorado, on the western edge of its range, it is sometimes found near ponds or reservoirs surrounded by trees and grass where it can perch and watch for insect prey.
This tyrannid lacks the yellow breast and belly found in most other kingbirds. The narrow white band at the end of its tail is a good field mark, but the narrow red stripe on its crown is usually concealed.
