Willow Flycatcher Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Willow Flycatchers are small, slender flycatchers, but they are one of the larger members of the Empidonax genus. They have a fairly long, thin tail and wings. The bill is broad. Like other flycatchers, they tend to perch upright.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Yellow Warbler, smaller than a Western or Eastern Wood-Pewee.

  sparrow-sized or smaller

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 5.1-6.7 in (13-17 cm)
    • Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (11-16 g)
    • Wingspan: 7.5-9.4 in (19-24 cm)

  © Matthew Skalla / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Willow Flycatchers are brownish olive overall with a slight yellow wash to the belly. They have 2 whitish wingbars and a white throat that contrasts with the brownish olive breast. The white eyering seen on most Empidonax flycatchers is very thin and nearly absent on Willow Flycatchers.

• Behavior

  Willow Flycatchers flit between willows and other shrubs in the understory while calling with a soft, dry whit. They stick close to willows perching on the edge or up on top of the shrub. From these perches they fly out to catch insects or sing a sneezy fitz-bew.
• Habitat

  Willow Flycatchers breed in shrubby areas with standing water or along streams. In some parts of their range, they also nest in woodland edges and dry, brushy thickets. In winter they use tropical shrubby clearings, pastures, and woodland edges, often near water.