Alder FlycatcherEmpidonax alnorumSmall flycatcher, extremely similar to several other species. Prefers clearings and boggy areas, often with patches of alders. Grayish-olive above and pale below with thin white eyering. Wings dark with bold white wingbars. Nearly identical to Willow Flycatcher; once considered the same species. Also compare with Least Flycatcher, which is very similar but has slightly shorter wingtips and a bolder eyering. Best identified by voice: song is a rolling, rough "freeBEER;" call is a clear "pip." Silent birds, especially in migration, often best left unidentified.Tyrannidae bird family
Order Passeriformes · 10 selected species
Browse verified BirdLens profiles selected for complete taxonomy, substantial descriptive coverage, and visual evidence. Open a species to compare its identification notes, distribution, behavior, sounds, and maps.
Alder FlycatcherEmpidonax alnorumSmall flycatcher, extremely similar to several other species. Prefers clearings and boggy areas, often with patches of alders. Grayish-olive above and pale below with thin white eyering. Wings dark with bold white wingbars. Nearly identical to Willow Flycatcher; once considered the same species. Also compare with Least Flycatcher, which is very similar but has slightly shorter wingtips and a bolder eyering. Best identified by voice: song is a rolling, rough "freeBEER;" call is a clear "pip." Silent birds, especially in migration, often best left unidentified.
Ash-throated FlycatcherMyiarchus cinerascensFairly large flycatcher of arid habitats. Extremely similar to other Myiarchus flycatchers and most easily identified by voice: listen for low, rough calls and flat “pip.” Also note overall pale appearance, especially the whitish throat and very pale yellow belly. Compare with the nearly identical Nutting’s Flycatcher (especially in Mexico) and larger-billed Brown-crested Flycatcher. Fairly common but unobtrusive in brushy woodlands and thickets in dry regions of western U.S. and Mexico, as far south as Honduras.
Eastern Wood-PeweeContopus virensDrab grayish-brown flycatcher found in forested areas and edges. Nondescript overall with two pale wingbars; bill usually shows extensive orange on lower mandible. Note very long wings and larger size than Empidonax flycatchers. Typically seen on a high perch, occasionally sallying out to snatch an insect. Essentially identical to Western Wood-Pewee; averages paler overall with stronger upper wingbar, but reliably distinguished only by voice. Listen for clear whistled tones, especially the distinctive “PEE-a-weeEEE!” song.
Fork-tailed FlycatcherTyrannus savanaStriking and conspicuous large flycatcher of savannas, grasslands, and other open country with scattered bushes and trees. All ages have black head and pale gray back, no pink in plumage as in the similar migrant Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Adult tail is very long with lyre-shaped ribbons; juvenile has shorter tail but still looks distinctive. Perches on fences, low bushes, and even on the ground; at times in small flocks. Flight strong and direct, with tail sweeping behind. Some populations in South America are highly migratory, occasionally turning up far outside their normal range.
Gray FlycatcherEmpidonax wrightiiDrab, pale-gray flycatcher with little plumage contrast; very similar to other flycatchers, especially Dusky and Hammond's. Often best identified by unique habit of wagging tail downward. Breeding habitat also distinctive: lower, more open habitat than other flycatchers, usually in sagebrush or open juniper forest. In migration and winter, habitat overlaps more with other flycatchers, but still tends to prefer more open areas. Other subtle differences in appearance include shorter wingtips, longer bill, and paler plumage. Song includes hoarse "chivik" phrase and higher, clearer "pseeoo." Call similar to Dusky. Without an excellent view, sometimes best left unidentified.
Great Crested FlycatcherMyiarchus crinitusFairly large flycatcher of mature forests. Relatively bright and richly colored for a Myiarchus flycatcher; especially note bright yellow belly, grayish throat and breast, and dull pinkish base to the lower mandible. Most easily identified by voice: listen for loud, rising “queeEEEP” and various rolling, burry calls. Breeds in deciduous forests throughout eastern North America; winters as far south as northern South America. Compare especially with Brown-crested Flycatcher on the wintering grounds
Hammond's FlycatcherEmpidonax hammondiiSmall grayish flycatcher, very similar to other flycatchers, especially Dusky and Gray. Subtle differences include smaller bill with limited pale base, slightly more peaked crown, and longer wingtips. Also note habitat during breeding season: Hammond's prefers mature conifers, often seen higher up in trees than Dusky. Habitat overlaps more with other flycatchers during migration and winter; found in a variety of brushy wooded habitats. Back is greenish with a yellow wash to belly; fall birds in fresh plumage are brighter than spring and summer birds. Voice is key to identification, especially call notes: high-pitched "peek" and whistled "peer." Without an excellent view, silent birds often best left unidentified.
Olive-sided FlycatcherContopus cooperiStocky flycatcher that almost always perches conspicuously on a high bare perch with an upright posture. From the front, look for dark sides creating a vest, with a bright white stripe from throat to belly. White patches on the sides of rump are sometimes visible from behind. Most similar to pewees but larger and larger-billed, with more contrasting vest. Feeds on insects. Breeds in clearings and bogs in boreal or mountainous forests, but can be found in migration in open habitats with a mixture of woods and clearings. Distinctive whistled song is often likened to "quick, three beers;" also listen for "pip" call notes.Olive-sided FlycatcherContopus cooperiStocky flycatcher that almost always perches conspicuously on a high bare perch with an upright posture. From the front, look for dark sides creating a vest, with a bright white stripe from throat to belly. White patches on the sides of rump are sometimes visible from behind. Most similar to pewees but larger and larger-billed, with more contrasting vest. Feeds on insects. Breeds in clearings and bogs in boreal or mountainous forests, but can be found in migration in open habitats with a mixture of woods and clearings. Distinctive whistled song is often likened to "quick, three beers;" also listen for "pip" call notes.
Tufted Tit-TyrantAnairetes parulusActive little bird found in wide variety of scrubby, brushy, and lightly wooded habitats from lowlands to the high Andes. Often in pairs, hopping in bushes and brush with tail often held cocked; can be difficult to see well as it constantly flits about. Best identified by small size, recurved “devil horn” crest, and staring pale eyes; breast streaking finer and less striking than on Yellow-billed Tit-Tyrant, which has limited range overlap with Tufted Tit-Tyrant.