Species profile
About this species
The Great Kiskadee is a large, strikingly coloured flycatcher found across much of Latin America & the southern the United States. It is instantly recognisable by its bold black & white head pattern, bright yellow underparts, & rich rufous-brown wings & tail. It is a highly vocal & confident bird, often perching prominently while calling its loud, distinctive kiskadee cry.
Great Kiskadees favour open & semi-open habitats including forest edges, riparian woodland, gardens, parks, & scrubland near water. They are highly adaptable & are commonly found in urban & suburban environments as well as along rivers & streams.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Great Kiskadee with us in Costa Rica.
These departures are part of our Central America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning light provides the best conditions, when the bird is most active & the warm golden light enhances its vivid yellow & rufous plumage. The species is resident year-round across most of its range, so there is no single optimal season, though the breeding period brings increased territorial & display behaviour.
Position yourself near water or fruiting trees where kiskadees regularly hunt & feed, as this greatly increases your chances of close encounters. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the bird's frequent sudden dives & movements. Take advantage of the species' bold, inquisitive nature - it often perches in the open for extended periods, giving you time to compose well-framed shots.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Great Kiskadee
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.