Nesting and Hybridization of a Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) and Gray Kingbird (T. dominicensis) in Sarasota, Florida
Journal
Florida Field Naturalist
Volume
43
Issue
1
Year
2015
Pages
1-46
Section
Articles
Online Text
Abstract
This paper documents a series of unusual events that occurred in Sarasota, Florida in spring and summer of 2013 centered around a female Tropical Kingbird, a rare bird for the state. After being discovered by local birders in the parking lot of an upscale shopping area, the female was observed as she interacted with Gray Kingbirds, constructed at least two nests, and subsequently fledged four young. Just prior to fledging, a male Tropical Kingbird appeared and kept company with the female, but did not undertake all expected male parental duties. The end result was a successful nesting effort which produced what the authors believe to be Tropical Kingbird x Gray Kingbird hybrid young.
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