Kingbird - Loggerhead or Giant? (1 Viewer)

[Jane Turner]

See here.....

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=750632#post750632

 

[AlexC]

Having no experience with either species, my opinion is far from expert, but looking at Raffaele et al's Birds of the West Indies, Giant Kingbirds have a white upper-cheeck that this bird does not display, which would support Loggerhead with a worn tail. Also, the bill seems to be lacking in the thickness you might expect from a Giant KB, and the tail doesn't look as forked as it's illustration does.

 

[Xenospiza]

From http://www.birdnet.co.uk/len_w_cuba_03.html I'd guess Loggerhead. Note the shape of the crown and the white cheek (bill is less useful here, but doesn't look that heavy). And then there is *chance* of course!

 

[lewis20126]

From http://www.birdnet.co.uk/len_w_cuba_03.html I'd guess Loggerhead. Note the shape of the crown and the white cheek (bill is less useful here, but doesn't look that heavy). And then there is *chance* of course!

I'd support Loggerhead (which I've seen). Not chunky enough or big-billed enough for Giant (which I've not - impressions from photos only).

 

[Chris Benesh]

I agree with the consensus here. This is a cuban Loggerhead Kingbird. The bill is very long, but not particularly deep, as is the case with Giant. The head shape is better for Loggerhead, and there seems to be some worn white tipping to the tail feathers, again suggesting cuban Loggerhead. Boy, I would sure love to see a real Giant Kingbird someday!

Chris

 

[AlexC]

I agree with the consensus here. This is a cuban Loggerhead Kingbird. The bill is very long, but not particularly deep, as is the case with Giant. The head shape is better for Loggerhead, and there seems to be some worn white tipping to the tail feathers, again suggesting cuban Loggerhead. Boy, I would sure love to see a real Giant Kingbird someday!

Chris

I feel your pain, Chris! Have you ever gone to Cuba on a research trip (since that's the only way us yanks can get there)?

 

[Chris Benesh]

I feel your pain, Chris! Have you ever gone to Cuba on a research trip (since that's the only way us yanks can get there)?

No Alex,

But perhaps I can say that I need to get there for researching my flycatcher guide. Giant Kingbird is the only flycatcher that has occurred in the ABA area that I am not familiar with from field experience, so it would be nice to see. And I would just really love to see Cuba. It sounds like a wonderful place, and all of my Canadian colleagues have birded there. But I'll leave out the political soapbox for the moment. :C

Chris

 

[LCpete]

Thanks for help identifying the Kingbird at least I know now.
I have since searched the net and found that the Giant Kingbird is not found in the area I visited (Cayo Guillermo).
We had a fantastic time in Cuba and saw many birds that we had not seen before
Pete