Family: Tyrannidae, Tyrant Flycatchers view all from this family

Description 9" (23 cm). A stocky, large-headed, pale gray flycatcher of coastal habitats. Underparts whitish; dusky blackish patch through eye; bill heavy; tail notched, without white.

Habitat Coastal, in mangrove thickets, on telephone wires, and in small groves of palms and oaks.

Nesting 3 pinkish eggs, blotched with brown, in a grass-lined stick nest placed in a mangrove thicket, usually over or near salt water.

Range Breeds in coastal regions of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and northern Gulf Coast. Winters in tropics.

Voice   A shrill, buzzy pe-cheer-y.

Discussion Like other kingbirds, this species is fearless, even chasing hawks and crows. Noisy and belligerent, it frequently emits harsh notes as it sits on telephone wires or exposed branches, ready to dart after flying insects.