Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)

Western Kingbirds breed west of the Missippi River, from Mexico up into Canada. In late summer and fall, most birds migrate south through Mexico, but some individuals end up on the east coast of the U.S. There they work their way southward as fall and winter progress. Western Kingbirds are recorded along the SC coast during most years. Some birds overwinter on sea islands and along the immediate coast.

This Western Kingbird was discovered in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (on Bull's Island) during the 2003 Charleston Christmas Bird Count. Photo by Tripp Smith.

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