Western Kingbirds
Arizona hosts several members of the genus Tyrannus, a group of large, robust flycatchers known for their upright posture, bold behavior, and aggressive defense of territories. These birds are often conspicuous, perching in open areas where they sally out to capture flying insects.
Species recorded in Arizona include:
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Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) The most common kingbird in Arizona during summer.
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Cassin’s Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) Found throughout Arizona’s foothills, riparian woodlands, and desert scrub.
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Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris) A Mexican species whose range just enters southern Arizona, primarily in riparian corridors of southeastern counties.
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Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) Another primarily Mexican species, occasionally found in southern Arizona riparian areas and agricultural regions.
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Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) A regular but uncommon migrant and rare summer breeder in Arizona, usually along riparian corridors and lakeshores. It is unmistakable with its black-and-white plumage and bold white tail tip.