Giant Kingbird Tyrannus cubensis Scientific name definitions

Following this species’ presumed extinction (there are no recent records) in the southern Bahamas and on the Turks and Caicos, the Giant Kingbird is now considered a de facto Cuban endemic. Furthermore, its range and population have declined considerably on Cuba and the Isle of Youth too, with no recent records from the last-named island, and although there are sightings from several areas scattered across western and central parts of mainland Cuba, the Giant Kingbird is now largely confined to the Sierra de Najasa and parts of the extreme east. As a result, the species is listed as Endangered, and BirdLife International speculates that fewer than 1000 individuals perhaps survive. Although the species inhabits a range of wooded habitats, at least in one of its strongholds the Giant Kingbird appears to be dependent on scattered woodland with some grazing and other open ground, provided there are suitable tall Ceiba trees in which to nest.