Birdsong field guide
Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus
The Least Flycatcher is the smallest Empidonax flycatcher in eastern North America, distinguished by its prominent white eye-ring and snappy, rhythmic vocalizations.
What it sounds like
A dry, sharp, two-syllabled 'che-bec' with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Field notes
- It is highly territorial and known to aggressively chase larger bird species, such as American Redstarts, away from its nesting area.
- Unlike most other flycatchers, this species often nests in loose clusters or 'colonies' while still maintaining individual territories.
- It performs a 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, frequently returning to the exact same perch after a successful aerial sally for insects.
- Unlike many passerines that molt before migration, the Least Flycatcher typically undergoes its annual molt after arriving on its wintering grounds.
- Populations can be so dense in preferred habitats that territories may be as small as 0.2 acres.
Habitat
Open deciduous or mixed forests, forest edges, orchards, and shrubby clearings.
Range
Breeds across the northern United States and Canada; winters in Mexico and Central America.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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