The western kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) name kingbird is derived from its take-charge behaviour – it will aggressively defend its territory, even against much larger birds such as ravens and hawks, and will attack humans, livestock and pets, when it thinks its young is under threat. In open country of the west, the yellow-bellied Western Kingbird is often seen perched on roadside fences and wires, flying out to snap up insects. It breeds throughout western North America.