Photo by Oscar Johnson
One adult female (91-42) on 27 Oct. 1991, Cameron: approx. 5 mi. E of Cameron; Andrew W. Kratter
(LSUMZ 154280) and J. V. Remsen (AB 46(1):106; LOS 145).
This is the second record for Louisiana.
One (2021-076) on 25 October and presumably the same individual about 1/2 mi. to the north from where originally
detected on 3 November 2021, East Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes: Manchac Road between Pecan Drive and Bayou Paul
Lane; and 435 Pecan Drive; Donna L. Dittmann (ph) & Steven W. Cardiff (ph), Paul E. Conover (ph), Oscar Johnson (ph
only). Initially discovered by Michelle McLindon. This represents the third accepted occurrence.
Photo by Oscar Johnson
One adult male (2023-060) on 14 October 2023, Jefferson: Grand Isle, Grand Isle State Park; Kathy Rhodes (ph).
This represents the fourth state record of Cassin’s Kingbird. A member noted the red crown and adult primaries as an aid to the age and sex of the bird. Side-by-side photos with Western Kingbird were also useful.
Photo by Kathy Rhodes
One (2023-071) on 29 October 2023 to at least 24 February 2024, Plaquemines: Diamond; Marcie Blanchard and Ann Walters (ph), Chloe St. Germain-Vermillion (ph), Joan Garvey (ph), Mary Mehaffey (ph), Jody Shugart (ph), Esme Rosen (ph), and David P. Muth (ph).
This represents the fifth state record of Cassin's Kingbird. This long-staying bird proved elusive at times
as its known location was a roost of multiple species of Tyrannus kingbirds where it was often present only at twilight. As a result, many sightings proved difficult to review.
Photo by Joan Garvey
One (2021-099) on 23 October 2021, St. Mary: Cypremort Point: https://ebird.org/checklist/S96590348 (ph). Although some Members felt that the seemingly darker hood of this individual favored Cassin's Kingbird, other Members expressed reservations about lighting and the fact that the tail was not seen. The committee has previously reviewed at least one photographic report for this species with photos that strongly suggested Cassin's based on head coloration and throat contrast that upon closer examination proved to be a Western Kingbird in poor lighting. Separation of Cassin’s and Western kingbirds can be difficult, and Members were divided on this report. Ultimately, a majority of Members felt that the caveats were too strong to ignore for what would have represented a third state record.
One adult bird (2023-071G) on 16 December 2023, Plaquemines, Diamond. Given the lighting, the reporter expressed uncertainty about whether the bird in question was indeed the Cassin's Kingbird being seen in the area, or one of the multiple Western Kingbirds returning to the evening roost The photographs were of poor quality given the conditions and the record was not resolvable to species.