Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)

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Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)

Photo credit: Dave Cagnolatti

Length: 5.8 in.
Habitat: Damp brushy habitats and wet woodland edges; birch and alder thickets.
Range: Texas, Great Lakes (late May); most have left U.S. by early October. Winters in South America. Sometimes is seen on Colorado, Washington, and California.

The Alder Flycatcher belongs to the Genus Empidonax, or Empids. Eleven of the 14 species of empids breed in North America. These relatively small, drab birds are notoriously difficult to identify. Their plumage is characterized by shades of green, brown, buff, and off-white, with darker wings and tails. Most have wing bars and ewye rings. Most species are long distance migrants. Plumages become duller with wear.

Until the early 70s, the Alder Flycatcher was considered the same species as the Willow Flycatcher. Most adults have strongly olive-green underparts. Usually dark head, often with a grayish tone; contrasts with a whitish throat. Usually narrow and well-defined eye ring. Dark wings with prominent wing bars.

Extremely similar to the Willow Flycatcher, the Alder Flycatcher should be identified by its voice. On average, the Alder has a slightly shorter bill, a more distinct eye ring, and a greener back. It usually has a darker head with a more contrasting white throat than the eastern Willow Flycatcher.