Western kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

Description:

I spotted this western kingbird during my visit through South Dakota. First spotting of this bird. A very pretty bird, light gray-green above with darker wings and a black tail with white outer edges. Its breast is light gray, and its belly and underwings are bright yellow. It has red feathers in its crown that can be seen only when it displays.

Habitat:

Can be found across vast areas of the west (especially arid lowlands). I spotted several western kingbirds in the meadows near the campground in the Badlands of South Dakota.