Nice view of the breast and underside of the bird. Having no experience with either species I could only venture a guess. Doesn't the tropical have a longer bill? Sibley says that the two species can only "be reliably distinguished by voice"
BTW, since you live in Mission-when is the best time for birds and butterflies in the LRGV-spring or fall?
In addition to voice (the clincher), a good indicator (not definitive for identification) is habitat. Couch's tends to be in more wooded areas and Tropical in more open areas. Apparently you may be able to separate the two at least sometimes by primary shape, but you'd need a good side view with a fold wing that still showed enough to determine shape and relative length.
Maybe next time you could shoot a small snippet of video that catches the call? If it's clear, it should be a slam-dunk.
There are two of these that hung around about three months a year with me. I have dozens of pictures of these two Kingbirds.
I have recorded their sound, one sound like a Couch's the other like a Tropical. The one I think is a male does most of the howling, and sound like a Tropical.
The area is open, they set on fence, feeder rod, roof, and BBQ grill.
I can post more pictures it that will help ID these birds.
To answer Julie question, late fall or winter there are more birds here.
Very nice yard bird, CM (either species!)! I wouldn't venture an ID guess without hearing the calls though. Put some nice perches up and you could really get some nice pix!
Couch's or Tropical
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