Help ID this kingbird type Southern California (1 Viewer)

I

Ilissa73180

Member

• Jul 16, 2020

• #1

We’ve watched these birds in a palm tree for the past three months, they certainly have a nest and chase ravens away frequently. The babies have hatched and they are all still living around in surrounding trees. We are not sure if it is a western kingbird or a cassin’s or possibly a couch’s? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

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R

rkj

Well-known member

• Jul 16, 2020

• #2

Welcome to Birdforum. Hard, maybe impossible, to be sure from this photo, but I would guess Cassin's Kingbird.

 

BirdInTheTardis

Member

• Jul 16, 2020

• #3

Just based off of this photo, I'd say Cassin's (darker head than Western with more contrasting white behind bill) but there are exceptions all the time. I'd have to observe it more to be certain.

 

I

Ilissa73180

Member

• Jul 16, 2020

• #4

Another pic thanks

Here’s another pic

 

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njlarsen

Gallery Moderator

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Jul 16, 2020

• #5

If you have observed it so much, can you describe how far up the front that the bird is truly yellow? At least the first image looks like it might be to just under the head which is far up for any of the two species mentioned. Another thing to look for is where does it have white on the tail: at the end or along the sides (or none at all)?

I am asking because with all due respect, these images are not the best.

Niels

 

Jeff Hopkins

Just another...observer

• Jul 17, 2020

• #6

Another for Cassin's.

 

I

Ilissa73180

Member

• Jul 17, 2020

• #7

One more pic

Thanks one more pic
I’m taking with my iPhone and zooming in

 

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Last edited: Jul 17, 2020

R

rkj

Well-known member

• Jul 17, 2020

• #8

Often great pictures are just not possible. I think all of these favor Cassin's Kingbird.