Gray Kingbird

A Very Rare Flycatcher Visits NB

Gray Kingbird

From October 6 to 9, 2018 New Brunswick birders were treated to a very rare visitor, a Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis).  This species is so rare here it has never been officially recorded before, although there have been one or two unconfirmed reports in the past.  This bird appeared at a home in Wilmot, northwest of Woodstock.  The day we went to see it, it was actively feeding on insects, mainly wasps, and landing on hydro and telephone wires and trees.  It put on a good showing for the 15 to 20 birders who were respectfully enjoying watching it.  Although it was a fast mover, it did give a few photo opportunities.

Gray Kingbird

This species is so rare here because it is way off its normal range and flight paths.  It normally breeds along the Florida coast in mangroves, open woodland, and forest edges.  It winters in central and southern West Indies, Panama and northern South America.  Occasionally vagrants wander far out of its range, hence the appearance of 'our' bird.  

Gray Kingbird

The Gray Kingbird is larger than our native Eastern Kingbird, 23-24 cm (9.2 in) compared to 20 cm (8.5 in).  At first glance one would think one was looking at our Eastern Kingbird but there are distinctive differences other than size.  The two species are shaped the same and their overall appearance is very similar.  The Gray Kingbird, however, is more gray all over.  It is gray on the head, back, and tail and white underneath.  The gray head  shows a black line through the eye which looks like a mask.  The bill is larger and the tail is notched and does not have a white band at the tip like the Eastern Kingbird.  The white breast is faintly washed with gray and the belly can be washed with  light yellow although that did not show on this bird.  The wings and tail show some brown and the wing feathers are edged with grayish white.  Generally the Eastern Kingbird gives the appearance of black and white compared to the gray and muted white of this species.  

Gray Kingbird

The Gray Kingbird feeds on insects.  It perches on a high exposed site and flies out from there to scoop up insects.  It sometimes hovers in its pursuit like our Eastern Kingbird.  A local name for this species is 'Pitirre' which is a human version of one of the sounds it makes.  In its normal range it is known for aggressively defending its breeding territory.  This has made the species special and it has become a national symbol for Puerto Rico.  It is often used as a metaphor for the Puerto Rico Independence Movement.  A special species has come to visit!

Gray Kingbird

Our visitor is probably an adult.  A juvenile would show a lot more brown on its back and wings.