The western kingbird is a well-known ranch bird in the west, where open fields and the presence of livestock provide the flying insects that make up most of its diet. This bird gray and yellow flycatcher is often seen perching on fenceposts in open country. Identifying features include its large gray head, yellow breast and white-edged tail. It's hard to spot this king's crown - all kingbirds have an orange or red stripe on the top of their heads, but the crown is usually hidden by feathers unless the male is defending its territory or trying to attract a female.

Listen for various chittering notes when trying to identify the western kingbird by its call. Look for kingbirds near Leavenworth in Plain, the Chumstick valley, and lower in the Wenatchee drainage in agricultural fields and valleys where there is livestock.

This species builds a cup-shaped stick nest located most commonly in brush or trees. The kingbird lives up to its name by effectively driving off crows and other birds that threaten its territory or nest. This neotropical migrant winters on the west coast of central Mexico and Central America, as far south as Costa Rica.