GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)

Species Code: TYVE

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is common in open habitats throughout eastern Washington. It is locally uncommon in prairie and agricultural habitats of western Washington at lower elevations. EasternWashington birds occur throughout the entire region dominated by steppe habitats and into the Ponderosa Pine zone in farmlands and along northeastern river valleys. In western Washington, regular breeding is limited to the Fort Lewis area. The Western Kingbird is also found irregularly along the Skagit River (Skagit and Whatcom counties).

Steppe, Oak, and Ponderosa Pine zones were core, locally and peripherally in the Woodland/Prairie Mosaic, Puget Sound Dougls-fir, and Western Hemlock zones in western Washington. In the peripheral western Washington zones, good habitats were limited to agriculture, meadows, and clearings.

Eastern and Western Kingbirds often occupy the same foraging habitat, but nesting habitat is more strictly partitioned. Eastern Kingbirds prefer wetlands with hardwood growth; Western Kingbirds prefer upland trees, principally Ponderosa Pine, or wooden utility poles (where they usually nest against electrical transformers). Nonbreeding migrants occur throughout western Washington in good numbers.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester