Friday, 2 January 2026

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)


OTHER NAMES:
N/A
Latin Etymology: Tyrannus ("absolute ruler") melancholicus ("bad tempered")

 

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) at Tarcoles, Costa Rica - November 2025


Featured Subspecies: Tyrannus melancholicus satrapa
Weight: 39g  /  Length: 22cm  /  Wingspan: 34-41cm
NO UK STATUS IUCN Red List: Least Concern

One of the most widespread and common species of Costa Rica, and indeed Central to South America, with the only continental country from Mexico Southwards it's absent from is Chile. They are primarily insectivores, swooping from exposed perches such as branches or overhead wires to catch insects in mid air, although they will also take fruit. 
 
Related Species: 
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Tyrannus
SUBSPECIES: T. m. satrapa, T. m. despotes, T. m. melancholicus
 
- Sighting Locations -

COSTA RICA - Spanish (Costa Rica) - Tirano Tropical (Tropical Tyrant)

Widespread and Common
- COSTA RICA 2025 TRIP: Seen at Tarcoles and Alajuela

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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