BIRD SPECIES

Great Kiskadee

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pitangus sulphuratus

The Great Kiskadee is large, blocky flycatcher. It has a large head, thick neck, and straight, very stout bill. Its wings are broad and rounded and its tail is medium length and square tipped.

The adult Great Kiskadee is one of the largest of the tyrant flycatchers. It is 9.8 - 11.0 inches in length and weighs 53 - 71.5 grams.

It has brown upperparts with reddish- brown long wings and tail. Underparts are bright yellow. Its big head has bright yellow top of crown, just above black stripe.

Forehead is white, and this white stripe runs around the head, above the eyes. Other black stripe starts from the bill, through eyes, extending to the nape. Chin, throat and cheeks are white. Bill is black and thick, relatively long. Eyes are black. Short legs and feet are black.

Both sexes are similar.

Juveniles have more rufous on wing coverts, and lack the crown patch.

CALL: A slow “kis-ka-dee”, but also a loud and raucous “kreah” heard all year round. At dawn, it utters raucous notes and longer variations, often repeated.

Feeds on large variety of insects, but also fish, frogs, small lizards, chicks, mice and some small fruits.

Lives in varied habitats, such as city parks or open lands, near rivers or streams. It is found in scrub, thickets, open habitats near water, lakes bordered with dense vegetation.

Relatively common in the eastern region of North America, Texas and Louisiana. It can also be found in South America and Central Argentina.

Both sexes work together to build a bulky, dome-shaped nest, made with sticks, grass, mosses and bark. It is lined with soft materials, such as wool and feathers, and has a singly entry hole on the side.

The female lays 2 - 5 creamy white eggs, sparsely marked with brown and gray. Incubation lasts about 13 - 15 days, by female.

Both adults feed and protect the chicks. Young fledge at about 35 days after hatching.

SOURCES:
http://www.oiseaux-birds.com
https://www.allaboutbirds.org
https://en.wikipedia.org