Couch's Kingbird

Discovered by Jennifer Dials 4 March. Confirmed as Couch's today by vocalizations (second confirmed for species in state, and second of eight records of the Tropical/Couch's complex confirmed to species).

Note short and proportionally thick bill compared to Tropical. Typical dark mask shown in many kingbirds is present. Back coloration is fairly bright green, more often associated with Couch's but a subtle finding. Covert pattern shows mild diffuse edging (more than Western) and the wings do not strongly contrast with the back (as in Western). Tail is brown, not black, with primaries and tail color similar (not black tail contrasting with more brownish wings of Western). Rectrices showed extensive thin pale edging, not seen in Western. The pale edging to the outer rectrix is seen in Tropical and Couch's, though is not quite as prominent and contrasting as Western. Breast is greenish-yellow, far more yellow than Western and Cassin's, and remainder of underparts bright yellow. See following photos demonstrating other identifications points.