Dusky Flycatcher Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesDusky Flycatcher
A small, round-headed flycatcher with relatively short wings and a long tail. The grayish head contrasts subtly with olive back, though note that plumage color is variable. Vocalizations are extremely important in identifying Empidonax flycatchers.
© Garrett Lau / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 02, 2020The small bill, white eyering, spindly legs, and thin pale wingbars and wing edging help to identify this small flycatcher as an Empidonax. The long tail and short primary projection create a lanky look characteristic of this species. The contrast between the grayish head and olive back is also useful, as is the teardrop-shaped white eyering.
© Kalin Ocaña / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, April 29, 2020Sometimes pumps its tail during aggressive interactions. Note the short primaries and longer-tailed look.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryMontana, June 01, 2001Not all videos have sound
The long-tailed appearance and “surprised” look imparted by the teardrop-shaped eyering are characteristic. Underparts coloration is often a streaky mix of olive and gray. Bill color is variable.
© Martin Dollenkamp / Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, September 06, 2017Small flycatcher with a grayish olive back and a pale grayish belly. The primary feathers are shorter than Hammond's Flycatcher, giving it a long-tailed look.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, April 13, 2021Found in willow thickets, aspen groves, and open evergreen forests.
© Larry Arbanas / Macaulay LibraryTexas, May 02, 2008Not all videos have sound
This bird's rounded head, teardrop-shaped eyering, and combination of short wingtips and relatively long tail suggest Dusky Flycatcher. Vocalizations are extremely important when identifying Empidonax flycatchers, and some individuals cannot be identified by visual characteristics alone.
© Gregory Johnson / Macaulay LibraryWashington, April 27, 2020Similar SpeciesHammond's Flycatcher
Hammond's Flycatchers look shorter tailed than Dusky Flycatchers because their primaries extend well beyond their secondaries. Hammond's are more frequently found in evergreen forests while Dusky's are in shrubby areas and forest edges.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 24, 2008Similar SpeciesGray Flycatcher
Gray Flycatchers are generally paler than Dusky Flycatchers. They habitually wag their tails down and then up while Dusky Flycatchers occasionally flick their tails upwards.
© Brian Sullivan / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, January 25, 2008Similar SpeciesWestern Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewees are larger than Dusky Flycatchers with a stronger peaked crown. Western Wood-Pewees perch in the open and repeatedly return to the same perch, a behavior not frequently seen in Dusky Flycatchers.
© Brian Hoffe / Macaulay LibraryAlberta, June 19, 2017Similar SpeciesWillow Flycatcher
Willow Flycatchers have brown backs while Dusky Flycatcher have more of a greenish tint on their backs. The white throat on Willow Flycatchers contrasts more strongly with the breast and head than on Dusky Flycatchers.
© Michiel Oversteegen / Macaulay LibraryAruba, October 16, 2016Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
Tyrant Flycatchers(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Tyrannidae)
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