Cassin's Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) 30 October 2011 at Harriett Wieder Regional Park, Huntington Beach, ORA, CA Photos © 2011 Joseph Morlan




This was a member of a small flock of Cassin's Kingbirds foraging and interacting along a fence line. This species sometimes forms large winter roosts numbering in the hundreds of birds in Southern California. It is less migratory than other kingbirds and in many areas the species can be found year round.

The specific name "vociferans" is for their loud vocalizations which often give away their presence before the birds are seen.

This species is similar to several other kingbirds in having extensive yellow on the underparts. Besides voice, a key feature is the white chin contrasting with the gray throat as seen in these images. In this species the wings are not noticeably darker than the back. The loose feather suggests a recent battle, either with a predator or other kingbird.

The small hook at the tip of the bill is characteristic of all flycatchers in the family Tyrannidae, but shows especially well in these photos.

Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)
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