Habitat
The ecotone between forested and open areas, such as grassland and swamps, and riparian forest and open forest with tall trees in montane areas. Also woodland, especially pine forest, and even in low elevation cloud-forest on serpentine soils. From sea-level - 400 m.
Bahamas (E) (B) (NB), Cuba (B), Turks and Caicos Islands (E) (B).
Vagrant to Mexico.
Locally in Cuba and I of Pines (R Santa Fe).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 250 - 999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat loss through logging and conversion to agriculture is probably the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Large insects, lizards, other birds' fledglings. During the dry season significant quantities of fruit.
Voice
A loud harsh chatter and a four-syllable call.
Giant Kingbird (Tyrannus cubensis) [XC72474]
by Andy Mitchell from Finca La Belen, Camaguey, Cuba (call)
Giant Kingbird (Tyrannus cubensis) [XC709684]
by id from Anc\u00f3n, Vi\u00f1ales, Pinar del R\u00edo, Cuba (call)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Closest relatives of genus may be Empidonomus and Tyrannopsis. Recent molecular-sequence data indicate present genus is monophyletic and sister-group to clade that includes Empidonomus and Griseotyrannus. There are two main clades within genus, loosely corresponding to "tropical species assemblage" and combination of "W" and "E" species groups of earlier authors, but with some exceptions. Probably closest to Loggerhead Kingbird (Tyrannus caudifasciatus) but further study is required.
Similar Species
Loggerhead Kingbird (Tyrannus caudifasciatus) which is smaller (especially bill), darker crown and white tail-band. Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) which is slighter with much smaller bill, paler crown and white tail-band.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet