Flycatchers

The flycatchers found in the park belong to the family Tyrannidae, or New World flycatchers (versus Old Word flycatchers in family Muscicapidae). Flycatchers tend to be drab in color and hard to distinguish between species. Flycatchers perch on branches to spot insects, then dart out to catch them in the air.

Hammond's Flycatcher Olive-sided Flycatcher

Pacific-slope Flycatcher

 

Flycatchers - Order Passeriformes, Family Tyrannidae

 

Hammond's Flycatcher

© 2015 Ron Wolf

Hammond's Flycatcher
Empidonax hammondii

Habitat: forest & subalpine
Seasons: occasional spring-fall
Size: length 5.5 in (14 cm), wingspan 8.75 in (22.2 cm)
Hammond's Flycatcher Calls

Found high in tall conifers, this flycatcher has a small, dark bill, with a short, notched tail and long primary feathers. Grey on the head, with a darker green-grey that extends down the back and wraps around the sides, creating a "vest" like impression against a yellow-grey belly. Hammond's flycatchers can also have a slight crest on the top of the head.

 

Olive-sided Flycatcher

© 2009 Ron Wolf

Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi

Habitat: forest & subalpine
Seasons: occasional spring-fall
Size: length 7.5 in (19 cm), wingspan 13 in (33 cm)
Olive-sided Flycatcher Calls

Olive-sided flycatchers are larger, with a tapered body, large head, pointed wings, and short tail. Darker grey-green overall, with a distinctive dark "vest" that contrasts with a white throat and belly. Olive-sided flycatchers like to perch high in coniferous trees to spot and then chase large insects as food.

 

Pacific-slope Flycatcher

© 2014 Steve Scholl

Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Empidonax difficilis

Habitat: forest & subalpine
Seasons: common spring/summer, uncommon fall
Size: length 5.5 in (14 cm), wingspan 8 in (20.3 cm)
Pacific-slope Flycatcher Calls

Very similiar in appearance to other Empidonax spp. flycatchers, calls can be the best way to distinguish this bird. Pacific-slope flycatchers are slightly smaller than other species. Coloring is brown-olive, with a dark breastband and paler belly and throat. They have a distinct crest and white eye ring. Wings are more round with thin wing-bars, and they have a long, narrow tail.

 

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