Kleptoparasitism by Grey Kingbirds (Tyrannus dominicensis) in Barbados

• DOI: 10.1676/07-112.1
• Publication Date: 2008-09-12T22:58:11Z
• Authors: Sarah E. Overington; Laure Cauchard; Kimberly-Ann Côté
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 01 natural sciences

Abstract We observed Grey Kingbirds (Tyrannus dominicensis) from late February to May 2007 stealing food items from the bills of Carib Grackles (Quiscalus lugubris). This behavior occurred at two baited walk-in bird traps on the grounds of Bellairs Research Institute of McGill University in St James, Barbados. Grey Kingbirds were not seen entering traps, but were regularly observed in tree branches near traps, often chasing Carib Grackles and Zenaida Doves (Zenaida aurita) as they exited the traps with food. We describe six instances of kleptoparasitism by Grey Kingbirds from Carib Grackles. To our knowledge, this is the first report of kleptoparasitism for this species.