Cassin's Kingbird
Tyrannus vociferans
About This Species
Perches conspicuously on wires, fence posts, and treetops in open woodland, savanna, and agricultural land across the southwestern US and Mexico, sallying out to catch flying insects before returning to the same perch. Listen for its harsh, strident calls, often given in aerial chases with other kingbirds defending territory. Spring and summer, during the breeding season, offer the most reliable and vocal encounters.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Viewing from 15-20 metres with binoculars is normally sufficient, since this species is bold and often tolerates moderate proximity from a vehicle or trail.
- It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US and equivalent wildlife law in Mexico, so nest disturbance should be avoided even though adults can appear unconcerned by observers.
- Keep clear of an active nest and avoid lingering beneath one, since it will aggressively mob perceived threats, which can draw attention from other predators.
LCAvesPasseriformesTyrannidae
Seasonal Activity
816,713 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Tyrannidae
Photo
(c) Greg Lasley, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Greg Lasley
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.