KINGBIRDS - In Belize

Gray Kingbird

Gray Kingbird

Gray Kingbird - Pale kingbird, white below and gray above with a darker face mask. Most similar to Eastern Kingbird but Gray Kingbird has lighter gray upperparts, a longer bill, and lacks white tail tips. Primarily a Caribbean species with limited range in U.S.; found around the edge of dense woodland, especially near the coast. Also seen in more suburban areas. Often perches conspicuously on a snag, treetop, or powerline. Feeds on insects. Listen for its high-pitched twittering calls.
BELIZE HABITAT - Forest edge, second growth, towns; most areas with exposed perches.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Occasional transient and regular winter visitor on north cayes and mainland coast south to central Stann Creek, July to mid-May.  Recorded twice well inland: El Cayo on March 22, 1960; La Mipa Orange Walk on April 20, 1999.  Most records are from spring.

Tropical & Couch's Kingbird

Tropical & Couch's Kingbird

Tropical & Couch's Kingbird - Large yellow-bellied flycatcher with gray head, greenish back, and brownish wings and tail. Relatively long bill. Nearly identical to Couch's Kingbird and very similar to other yellow-bellied kingbirds. Distinguished from Couch's Kingbird by voice: sharp twitters, not just single "pick" or "breer" calls. Larger and longer-billed than Western and Cassin's Kingbirds; also note paler brownish tail. Prefers open areas with some trees and water, but also parks and neighborhoods.
BELIZE HABITAT - Open areas, wherever exposed perches are available, with inclinations toward drier areas such as upland pine savannas, Mountain Pine Ridge, whre relative numbers of ths species are greater.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Common resident on mainland, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and perhaps the Turneffe Islands. 

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Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Kingbird

Eastern Kingbird - Dark brown to black above and clean white below. White tail tip. Flycatcher about the size of a robin. Perches out in the open; often seen on tops of tall trees, snags on forest edges, fences, and utility lines. Watches for large insects and makes quick flights to snatch them. Unique, metallic twittering song often heard in summer. Winters in South America.
BELIZE HABITAT - Low level to canopy in most wooded areas (forest interior and edge) and to a lesser extent open areas with exposed perches.
Where can I find this bird in Belize?
Very common autumn migrant along coast, mid-August to early November; less common in spring, mid-March to late May.  Less common in interior.  This diurnal migrant can be seen flying south along and near coast in September and early October.