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Manatee County

Audubon Society

Gray Kingbird

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Name

Gray Kingbird

Scientific Name

(Tyrannus dominicensis)

Why they are special:
  • A bold, aggressive flycatcher often seen perched conspicuously on wires, posts, or tree tops along Florida’s coasts.

  • Known for its fearless defense of territory, chasing away birds much larger than itself.

Size and color:
  • Medium-sized flycatcher, 8–9 inches long with a wingspan of 13–15 inches.

  • Gray head, back, and upperparts, white underparts, dark mask through the eye, and slightly notched tail.

  • Blackish wings with subtle white edging.

Seasonality in Florida:
  • Year-round resident in southern and coastal Florida; more common in summer breeding range elsewhere in the Caribbean and Central America.

Habitat:
  • Coastal scrub, mangroves, open woodland edges, and urban areas near water.

  • Often seen perched in open areas, scanning for flying insects.

Diet:
  • Primarily insects, caught on the wing in classic “hawking” style.

  • Will also eat small fruits and berries opportunistically.

Behavior:
  • Highly territorial; often seen darting from a perch to snatch insects midair.

  • Nests in trees or shrubs, building a cup-shaped structure from twigs and grass.
Conservation notes:
  • Populations are stable, though habitat loss along coastal areas can impact local abundance.

Best time to see:
  • Year-round, especially during warmer months when insects are abundant.

Fun Fact:
  • Gray Kingbirds are sometimes called “beach tyrants” because they will fiercely chase away larger birds, including hawks, from their feeding territory.

 

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