4 replies to this topic

[BigSkyKen]

Taken at the San Joaquin River NWR in central CA last week. Without the white edge on the tail, I'm assuming it is a Cassin's Kingbird but would like confirmation.

[creeker]

Sorry to go against again, Ken, but looks like Western to me. The white throat, dark wing coverts, and I think I do see a white edge to the tail. These two are tough though.

[BigSkyKen]

Perhaps it just isn't my night for ID'ing birds! I am use to seeing a fairly prominent white tail edge on Western Kingbirds like this next shot, but I haven't seen enough Cassin's to know for certain what they look like.

[psweet]

One of the issues with these guys in late summer is that the edging to the tail can get very worn. You can see from how brown the primaries are that this bird's at that point. A more consistent field mark is the amount of contrast between the white malar and the throat.

[BigSkyKen]

Thanks, psweet. That info will be helpful in the future.