FlycatchersThick-billed KingbirdTyrannus crassirostris
- ORDER: Passeriformes
- FAMILY: Tyrannidae
Basic Description
The boisterous Thick-billed Kingbird—once described as “Arizona’s loudest bird”—is a conspicuous presence as it perches atop tall trees and calls noisily in pursuit of flying insects. This species' large head, upright posture, and pugnacious behavior mark it as a kingbird; its massive bill, black mask, and white throat and breast distinguish it from similar species. This large flycatcher inhabits dry, open habitats across western Mexico. In its limited U.S. range, in southeastern Arizona, it is largely restricted to streamside woodland with cottonwoods and sycamores.
More ID InfoOther Names
- Tirano Piquigrueso (Spanish)
- Tyran à bec épais (French)
- Cool Facts
- Thick-billed Kingbird migration is poorly understood, but one thing is clear: this species can wander. This flycatcher has turned up in several states and provinces outside its normal range, including Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, British Columbia, and even Ontario.
- Thick-billed Kingbirds are assertive and loud. In the early 20th century, biologist A. P. Smith called it "a Kingbird with enormous bill, and pugnacious disposition; enough to make life strenuous for all hawks and ravens within its habitat." In the mid-1960s another ornithologist termed it "Arizona's loudest bird."