Great Kiskadee Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Great Kiskadees are large, blocky flycatchers. They have a large head, thick neck, and straight, very stout bill. The wings are broad and rounded and the tail is medium length and square tipped.

  Relative Size

  Larger and bulkier than a kingbird; smaller than a Blue Jay or Green Jay.

  robin-sized

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 9.4 in (24 cm)
    • Weight: 1.9-2.6 oz (55-74 g)

  © Ian Davies / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Kiskadees are an eye-catching mix of black, white, yellow, and reddish-brown. The black head is set off by a bold white eyebrow and throat; the underparts are yellow. The wings and tail are a warm reddish brown that is particularly noticeable in flight.

• Behavior

  These are bold, loud birds that quickly make their presence known. They sit on exposed branches near the tops of trees, often above water, where they give a piercing kis-ka-dee call and dart out to catch flying insects or pluck food—often small fish—from the water. They also eat fruit and sometimes come to feeders.
• Habitat

  In the U.S., Great Kiskadees live in thorn-scrub and riverine forests of southern Texas, as well as along scrubby irrigation channels, open or second-growth woodlots, and suburbs. They are also widespread from Mexico through South America.