Western Kingbird

Description:

Adults are grey-olive on the upperparts with a grey head and a dark line through the eyes; the underparts are light becoming light orange-yellow on the lower breast and belly. They have a long black tail with white outer feathers.

Habitat:

Their breeding habitat is open areas. They make a sturdy cup nest in a tree or shrub, sometimes on top of a pole or other man-made structure. This is one of a pair that have taken up residence in the tall pines lining the main road to our development. Lots of open backyards to access from these trees.

Notes:

The name kingbird is derived from their "take-charge" behaviour. These birds aggressively defend their territory, even against much larger birds such as hawks.