Publication Date
6-1-1992
Abstract
Western Kingbirds (Tyrannus verticalis) were observed at 28 of 56 electric power substations that were monitored in Houston (Harris County), Texas, and vicinity, from 1984 through 1986. Nesting was confirmed at 21 of these sites, concentrated in the west and southwest portions of the study area. Casual observation has documented that the kingbirds continue to use the substations to the present (1992), and that their range may still be expanding eastward. The grassy areas at many of these substations provide islands of suitable habitat within urbanized Houston. However, Western Kingbirds were seen only very rarely in apparently suitable habitat other than at substations, indicating a strong attraction to these facilities in the Houston area. Further study is needed to determine the factors influencing this apparent nest site preference, as well as to better define the distribution of Western King birds in Houston and vicinity.
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Recommended Citation
Honig, Robert A.
(1992)
"Western Kingbird Utilization of Electric Power Substations in Houston and Vicinity,"
Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society: Vol. 25:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tos_bulletin/vol25/iss1/4