kingbird n : large American flycatcher [syn: Tyrannus tyrannus]

The genus Tyrannus is a group of large insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. The majority are named as Kingbirds.

They prefer semi-open or open areas. These birds wait on an exposed perch and then catch insects in flight. They have long pointed wings and large broad bills.

These birds tend to defend their breeding territories aggressively, often chasing away much larger birds. The genus name means "tyrant".

Species

• Snowy-throated Kingbird, Tyrannus niveigularis
• White-throated Kingbird, Tyrannus albogularis
• Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
• Couch's Kingbird, Tyrannus couchii
• Cassin's Kingbird, Tyrannus vociferans
• Thick-billed Kingbird, Tyrannus crassirostris
• Western Kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
• Eastern Kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
• Gray Kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis
• Loggerhead Kingbird, Tyrannus caudifasciatus
• Giant Kingbird, Tyrannus cubensis
• Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus
• Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus savana