The Tropical KingbirdTyrannus melancholicus, is a large tyrant flycatcher. It breeds from southern Arizona and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas through Central and South America as far south as Argentina. Birds from the northernmost and southern breeding areas migrate to warmer parts of the range after breeding.
The head is pale grey, with a darker eye mask, an orange crown stripe, and a heavy grey bill. The back is grayish-green, and the wing and forked tail are brown. The throat is pale grey, becoming olive on the breast, with the rest of the under parts being yellow. The sexes are similar.
A distinctive feature of the Tropical Kingbird is its forked tail. For comparison I have included a Western Kingbird.
These birds were photographed all over Costa Rica.