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Couch's Kingbird Tyrannus couchii
The Couch’s Kingbird ranges from southern Texas, through western Mexico and the Yucatan to reach the southern extent of its range in northern Guatemala. According to Howell and Webb, the range extends almost to the Honduran border. Currently, there are no records for Honduras, but it must be one to look (or listen) out for. This species is almost identical to Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus and until relatively recently they were considered to be the same species. There are a few minor anatomical differences (such as a slightly less forked tail and smaller bill in Couch’s), but they are so subtle that you have to hear them call to make an identification. Fortunately, the calls are very different and anyone who has been in the region for any length of time will have had the chance to become familiar with distinctive trill of the Tropical Kingbird for comparison. My only sightings of this species have been at Tikal. Beavers is inconsistent in describing their status in the region, calling them uncommon in the checklist, but describing them as fairly common later on. I have found them easy to find there, which, considering the identification difficulties, makes me think that they must be fairly common. Land does not include this species, as they had not been separated from Tropical Kingbird by the time he wrote his guide (1970). During my first visit to Tikal (in August 2000), a pair was nesting in one of trees in the open area between the car park and the hotels.
Couchs Kingbird Tikal April 04 (3).JPG