Tyrannus couchii

Couch's Kingbird

Family: Tyrannidae · Class: Aves · Order: Passeriformes

Couch's Kingbird is a medium-sized flycatcher measuring 20 to 24 cm (8 to 9.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of approximately 38 cm (15 inches). Adults weigh 38 to 60 grams. The species exhibits a grayish-olive crown and back, with darker wings and tail. The underparts are pale yellow, becoming brighter on the belly and undertail coverts. The tail is notched and lacks the white terminal band characteristic of Western Kingbird. The bill is broad-based, straight, and black. Males and females appear similar, though males may be slightly larger. Juveniles resemble adults but show more brownish tones and less distinct yellow coloring. Couch's Kingbird ranges from extreme southern Texas through Mexico to Colombia and Venezuela. In the United States, the species is primarily restricted to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, with occasional records in Arizona and accidental occurrences in California. According to eBird records, the species was first documented in California as a vagrant, with scattered records along the coast and in desert regions. Most California sightings occur during fall and winter months, suggesting post-breeding dispersal from core breeding populations. The species inhabits riparian woodlands, mesquite bosques, and semi-open areas with scattered trees. In its core range, Couch's Kingbird favors areas with a mix of native trees including mesquite, huisache, and Texas ebony. The species occurs from sea level to approximately 1,500 meters elevation. In California, vagrant individuals have been observed in similar habitats including riparian corridors, parks with mature trees, and agricultural areas with windbreaks. Couch's Kingbird is an insectivore that hunts from exposed perches, making aerial sallies to capture flying insects. The diet consists primarily of beetles, flies, wasps, ants, and flying termites. The species also consumes small fruits, particularly during winter months. Breeding occurs from March through August, with peak activity in May and June. Females construct cup-shaped nests of twigs, grass, and other plant materials, typically placed in the fork of a tree branch 3 to 6 meters above ground. Clutch size ranges from two to four eggs, which are incubated for 14 to 16 days. Young fledge after 18 to 20 days but remain dependent on parents for several additional weeks. Couch's Kingbird is not federally listed and faces no immediate conservation threats within its core range. According to North American Breeding Bird Survey data, population trends appear stable in Texas from 1966-2019. The species benefits from maintained riparian habitat and mixed agricultural landscapes. In California, Couch's Kingbird remains an uncommon vagrant with no established breeding population, as documented by California Bird Records Committee reports. Climate change may potentially affect the northern edge of the species' range, though current impacts remain unclear. Habitat loss in riparian areas of south Texas represents the primary conservation concern for North American populations.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.