Tyrannus verticalis, commonly known as the Western Kingbird, is native to North America. It is primarily found in western regions including the central and western United States and southwestern Canada. During the breeding season, this species is distributed across the northern Great Plains, stretching from southern Canada down to the central United States. In the winter, it migrates to regions in Central America, including southern Mexico and northern areas of Central America.

The Western Kingbird inhabits open and semi-open areas such as grasslands, desert scrubs, agricultural lands, and urban areas with adequate perching opportunities like scattered trees or utility lines. It thrives in warm climates during its breeding season, which typically entail dry and sunny conditions.

Western Kingbirds are aerial insectivores, commonly found perching on vantage points to capture flying insects. They also exploit the edge habitats that provide both visibility for catching prey and protection for nesting. Occasionally, they adapt to the edges of human-altered landscapes, showing flexibility in food sourcing by consuming berries and other small fruits in seasons when insects are less abundant.