Birdsong field guide
Western Flycatcher
Empidonax difficilis
A small, olive-yellow tyrant flycatcher of western North American forests, characterized by its almond-shaped eye-ring and yellowish throat. It was recently re-lumped into a single species following the merger of the Pacific-slope and Cordilleran Flycatchers.
What it sounds like
A high-pitched, rising 'ps-seet' or 'seee-it' whistle, and a sharp, metallic 'peet' note.
Field notes
- In 2023, the American Ornithological Society officially merged the Pacific-slope and Cordilleran Flycatchers back into this single species due to extensive hybridization.
- It is distinguished from most other Empidonax flycatchers by its distinctly yellow throat, as others typically have white or greyish throats.
- The species features a unique teardrop-shaped white eye-ring that tapers to a point toward the rear of the head.
- They are known for 'hawking' insects, a hunting technique where they fly out from a shaded perch to catch prey in mid-air before returning to a branch.
- Nests are often decorated with moss and placed in 'niches,' including cliff ledges, upturned root balls, or even beams under human-made bridges.
Habitat
Moist coniferous or mixed woods, often in the shady understory near running water or in cool, damp canyons.
Range
Western North America, extending from southeast Alaska and western Canada through the Pacific Coast and Rocky Mountains into Mexico.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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