Western Kingbirds

Western Kingbirds are common sights during the summer months in southern Arizona. One morning while I was near Benson and the San Pedro River, this Western Kingbird flew in and landed in the tree next to me. You can see the white outer-tail feathers that distinguish this bird from the many other summering Kingbird species. It also appears that this bird has a brood patch- the vertical part in her breast feathers. It is nesting season and no doubt she has a nest somewhere nearby.

Sure enough, shortly afterwards I watched as an angry Western Kingbird chased a much larger Common Raven away. That Raven had likely gotten too close to the Kingbird's nest and the Kingbird was having none of it.

The Kingbird continued harassing the Raven for 100 yards or so as I watched them fly across an open field. You can see the Raven arching its back while trying to avoid the talons of the Kingbird. You can also see that the Raven's eye appears to be white. it has activated its nictitating membrane, that third eyelid, to protect its eyes from the sharp talons of the Kingbird

Every once in a while the Raven managed to create some space between it and the Kingbird.

But the Western Kingbird closed in rapidly every time. There are many Western Kingbirds in the area and many nests. Any number of Kingbirds might be chasing this Common Raven away.

Later, several Kingbirds landed on a power line. One Kingbird had a grasshopper in its bill. It didn't eat the insect but soon took off, flying towards a nest where hungry little Kingbirds awaited.

Springtime is a busy season.

Coming next, a bird that shouldn't be in Tucson.