Monday, February 3, 2014

Western Kingbird chase-able at Audubon Park


A number of observers have reported seeing a Western Kingbird in Audubon Park in the last few days, near Bird Island and south along the lagoon edge.  Seems like a good bird to chase, since it generally perches in conspicuous locations.

Western Kingbirds are a bit larger than our normal winter flycatcher (Eastern Phoebe), and not really confusable with them.  Westerns are primarily a light gray/tan, but are yellow bellied, and have a tail that is dark with whitish edges.  These edges distinguish it from Tropical and Couch's Kingbirds, Mexican/Texan species that also turn up from time to time (believe it or not) in Louisiana but are less regular than Western.  Tropical and Couch's also have noticeably larger bills.

Peter

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