The Western Kingbird 
Description. — Adults: In color pattern very similar to T. vociferans, but 
ashy of foreparts, back, etc., lighter; above light neutral gray; below pale neutral gray; 
chin and throat paler or whitish, but shading gradually into yellow of remaining under¬ 
parts; wings plain fuscous or with a few edgings of paler on middle coverts and tertials; 
the outer web of outer pair of tail-feathers pure white, the tip of the wing formed by the 
4th primary; the 1st longer than the 5th; the five outer primaries attenuate-emargi- 
nate, the first acicular. Females and young with reduction or absence of crown-patch 
and non-attenuation of primaries as in T. vociferans. Measurements substantially 
as in vociferans, but bill averaging a little less. 
Recognition Marks. —Towhee size; light ashy gray of foreparts and back; 
extensive yellow of belly; edge of tail abruptly white; whitish of throat not contrasting 
with prevailing gray. 
Nesting. — Nest: Of twigs, grasses, string, wool, and other soft substances; 
placed at moderate heights in bushes or trees, or, as frequently, on beams and ledges 
of barns or other outbuildings. Eggs: 4 or 5; much like those of T. tyrannus; white, 
pale creamy white, or, very rarely,-pale pinkish buff, spotted and blotched with choco¬ 
late and its various “self’’-tones (sometimes brightening to liver-brown or even hessian 
brown, or yellowing and graying to snuff-brown, sayal brown, or even fawn-color) 
and vinaceous gray. Av. size 23.6 x 17.4 (.93 x .69). Season: April-June; one or 
two broods. 
General Range. —Western United States, rare or transient in Pacific coastal 
strip, north regularly to southern British Columbia, southern Alberta, and Saskatche¬ 
wan, east to western Minnesota, western Iowa, and western Texas, south to Chihuahua, 
breeding throughout its range; south in winter through Western Mexico to Chihuahua. 
Distribution in California. —Common summer resident in Lower and Upper 
Sonoran zones nearly throughout the State; most abundant in semi-arid valleys of 
interior; less common on the deserts as a breeder; rare or wanting in the northwest 
humid coastal section; occasional breeder in Lower Transitional zone. 
Authorities.—Gambel, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., vol. iii., 1847, p. 157 
(Los Angeles); Tyler, Pac. Coast Avifauna, no. 9, 1913, p. 59 (San Joaquin Valley; 
habits, nesting dates, etc.); Grinnell, Univ. Calif. Pub. Zook, vol. xii., 1914, p. 146 
(lower Colorado Valley, manner of occurrence); Kennedy, Condor, vol. xvii., 1915, 
p. 65, figs, (nesting sites); Flowell, Pac. Coast Avifauna, no. 12, 1917, p. 64 (Santa 
Barbara Ids.). 
BELOVED of all but nervous invalids and “grouches” is this 
genial, garrulous, irresponsible tyrant of the West. Himself a lover of 
the open country, he has become the presiding genius of all properly 
conducted ranches. Guest he is not, host rather; and before you have 
had time to shut off the motor and clap on the brakes, this bird bustles 
forth from the eucalyptus row and hovers over you with noisy effusive¬ 
ness. The boisterous greeting is one-third concern for his babies in the 
shade tree hard-by, one-third good fellowship, and the remainder sheer 
restlessness. The Western Kingbird is preeminently a social creature. 
And by social in this case we mean, of course, inclined to human society. 
For, although the bird may start up with vociferating cries every time a 
member of the besieged household sets foot out of doors, one is reminded 
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