Already eye-catching because of its lemon-yellow belly, the Western Kingbird displays striking contrast between the black and white feathers in its tail when in flight. Like other kingbirds, it fearlessly defends its territory, chasing away larger birds like hawks and crows to safeguard its nest.
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Photo:
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Western Kingbird
Status and Trends
Distribution
Methods
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Summary
Trend
Little Change
Confidence: High
Goal
Within Goal Range
The Western Kingbird breeds in open landscapes from southern British Columbia to southern Manitoba and occasionally northwestern Ontario. It winters in Mexico and Central America, as well as southern Florida. There are approximately 1.5 million individuals in Canada, which represents 5% of the global population and a low degree of responsibility for Canada. The Canadian population of Western Kingbird has shown little change relative to 1970 based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Confidence in this assessment is high, given good coverage of the breeding distribution and high precision in the trend. The national population of Western Kingbird is within its goal range.
Migration Strategy
Long-distance
Canadian Responsibility
Population Estimates
Breeding
1,500,000
Annual
1,500,000
Global
30,000,000
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Aerial Insectivores
Long-Distance Migrants
Grassland Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Western Kingbird. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/hwjk-ae80
The State of Canada's Birds is presented in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada.
Did you know
Already eye-catching because of its lemon-yellow belly, the Western Kingbird displays striking contrast between the black and white feathers in its tail when in flight. Like other kingbirds, it fearlessly defends its territory, chasing away larger birds like hawks and crows to safeguard its nest.
Distribution and Occurrence
12710
Loading...
Get Involved
Citizen Science is vital to monitoring birds in Canada. Participating in programs like the ones below helps monitor this species.
Become a Citizen Scientist today!
Follow the link below to learn about more programs that you can participate in to help monitor birds in Canada.
Learn more
Related readings
Summary report
View the report
Trends from this species and others are rolled up into The State of Canada’s Birds Summary Report. Follow the link below to view the report, learn more about birds in Canada, and see how we can all help birds.
This species is included in the following analysis groups for the report:
Aerial Insectivores
Long-Distance Migrants
Grassland Birds
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Birds Canada. 2024. The State of Canada’s Birds – Western Kingbird. Data accessed from NatureCounts, Birds Canada.
https://doi.org/10.71842/hwjk-ae80