Empidonax traillii
adult
The Willow Flycatcher closely resembles the Alder Flycatcher. The sexes are similar. Adults from the eastern half of the species’ range have olive-gray upperparts (subtly greener than in Alder Flycatcher); birds breeding in the west have browner and darker upperparts. All adults have pale underparts with a soft gray-green wash across the breast. There is a pale eyering and the bill has a pinkish-orange lower mandible. The wings are dark overall with pale fringes to the inner flight feathers and two white wingbars. Juveniles are similar to adults but the wingbars are buff, not white.
The Willow Flycatcher is present as a breeding species across central and western North America from June to August. It spends the rest of the year in Central and South America. It favors damp woodland where willows flourish but alders and birches may also be present. It usually perches near the tops of trees, watching for passing insects, and sometimes hovers, gleaning insects from leaves. Silent birds can be hard to separate from the Alder Flycatcher.
FACT FILE
LENGTH 5.75 in (14.5 cm)
FOOD Insects and other invertebrates
HABITAT Deciduous woodland
STATUS Widespread and locally common summer visitor
VOICE Song is a harsh, buzzing fzz-byew. Call is a sharp whuit
