Empidonax oberholseri
adult
The Dusky Flycatcher is very similar to both Gray and Hammond’s flycatchers. Subtle behavioral as well as structural differences aid identification: It flicks its wings and tail (but does not pump the latter like Gray), and it is less active than Hammond’s. Of the species trio, it has the shortest wings and the primaries do not extend beyond the rump when perched. The sexes are similar. Adults have olive-gray upperparts and pale gray underparts, palest on the throat and belly. There is a pale eyering and the base of the lower mandible is dull orange-pink. The wings are dark with two whitish wingbars. Juveniles are similar to, but brighter than, fall adults and have buffish, not white, wingbars.
The Dusky Flycatcher is present as a breeding species in western interior North America, mainly from May to August. It spends the rest of the year mainly in Mexico, with small numbers in southern Arizona. It usually adopts an upright posture when perched, and undertakes flycatching forays; it also hovers and picks insects from foliage.
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5.75 in (14.5 cm)
FOOD Insects and other invertebrates
HABITAT Mountain conifer forests
STATUS Locally common summer visitor
VOICE Song comprises repeated phrases, including selit-chrrp, selit-cheep . . . Call is a soft whit
