Couch's Kingbird Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesCouch's Kingbird
Large flycatcher with a heavy bill and a long tail. Note gray head with slightly darker ear patch and whitish throat.
© Greg Lasley / Macaulay LibraryTexas, January 20, 2018Large flycatcher with a bright yellow belly and a long, notched tail. Often perches conspicuously in shrubby areas, clearings in tropical forests, and some rural and suburban areas.
© Amresh Vaidya / Macaulay LibraryVirginia, November 28, 2020Best told from Tropical Kingbird by its call, a single "pik" or an intensifying, "pik-pik-pikweer," both with a nasal quality.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryTexas, January 01, 2001Bright yellow below with a gray head and darker ear patch. Note long, notched tail.
© Greg Lasley / Macaulay LibraryTexas, January 20, 2018Similar SpeciesTropical Kingbird
Tropical Kingbirds look very similar to Couch's Kingbirds and are best separated by voice.
© Chris Wood / Macaulay LibraryPanamá, November 09, 2002Similar SpeciesCassin's Kingbird
Cassin's Kingbirds have a darker gray head, back and breast than Couch's Kingbirds. Cassin's also have a white mustache and a white-tipped tail that Couch's do not have.
© Roger Clark / Macaulay LibraryNew Mexico, May 21, 2017Similar SpeciesWestern Kingbird
Western Kingbirds have white outer tail feathers that are visible in flight that Couch's Kingbirds lack. They also have a more extensive gray chest than Couch's Kingbirds.
© Gerrit Vyn / Macaulay LibraryAlberta, May 24, 2010Compare with Similar Species
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Species in This Family
Tyrant Flycatchers(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Tyrannidae)
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