ExploreBirds

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

The Western Flycatcher is a small bird that loves to catch insects in mid-air. With its cheerful song, it can be found flitting around trees and bushes, making it a delightful sight in nature.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Western Flycatcher has an olive-green back and a yellowish wash on its belly. It is distinguished by a prominent, pale, teardrop-shaped eye-ring and two buffy wing bars, making it blend well with leafy environments.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTyrannidaeGenusEmpidonax
Western Flycatcher
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Western Flycatcher

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite their tiny size, Western Flycatchers make long migrations every year.

Some flycatchers return to the exact same nesting spot year after year.

Their nests are often so well-hidden, they might even be lined with soft spiderwebs!

They can twist and turn mid-air to catch the fastest flying insects with ease!

Special abilities

Ability

Insect Interceptor

Western Flycatcher can snatch flying insects right out of the air because of its agile flight and quick reflexes.

Ability

Forest Camouflage

Western Flycatcher has subtle olive-green and yellow feathers that help it blend perfectly into leafy forest canopies.

Ability

Song Navigator

Western Flycatcher can use a distinctive 'ps-SEET' song to communicate with others and mark its territory in dense woodlands.

Measurements & details

Length
13-17 cm
Wingspan
20-23 cm
Weight
0.008-0.012 kg
Lifespan
2-7 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
14-15 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

This little bird mostly eats flying insects that it catches skillfully in the air.

Primary Foods

  • Flies
  • Wasps
  • Beetles
  • Moths
  • Spiders

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

shelters

Douglas-fir

Pseudotsuga menziesii

Provides nesting sites and perches for hunting.

eats

Common Wasp

Vespula vulgaris

A common flying insect prey item.

hunts

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

A small owl that preys on songbirds.

eats

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Forages on ants found on tree branches.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance so they feel safe and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Western Flycatcher?

13-17 cm

What is Western Flycatcher's wingspan?

20-23 cm

How much does Western Flycatcher weigh?

0.008-0.012 kg

How long does Western Flycatcher live?

2-7 years

How fast can Western Flycatcher move?

40 km/h

What does Western Flycatcher eat?

This little bird mostly eats flying insects that it catches skillfully in the air.

Where is Western Flycatcher usually found?

Forests

How does Western Flycatcher hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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