# Willow Flycatcher (*Empidonax traillii*) The Willow Flycatcher is a small, lively bird that loves to catch insects in the air. It has a sweet, whistling song that sounds like it's saying 'fitz-bew!' and is often found near water and willows. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 5 - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Willow Flycatcher](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/20250524_willow_flycatcher_major_donnelly_PD202635.jpg&width=800) Photo: Paul Danese, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20250524_willow_flycatcher_major_donnelly_PD202635.jpg) ## Appearance The Willow Flycatcher is a small, greenish-gray bird with a pale throat and underparts, and two faint whitish wing bars. It has a subtle eye-ring. Distinguishing it from similar flycatchers often relies more on its unique call than its very plain plumage. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Passeriformes - **Family:** Tyrannidae - **Genus:** Empidonax ## Interesting facts - The oldest known Willow Flycatcher lived to be at least 7 years old! - Their 'fitz-bew' song is the best way to tell them apart from very similar looking birds! - This tiny bird flies thousands of miles each year during its incredible migration! - Willow Flycatchers often build their cozy nests low in willow branches near water. ## Special abilities - **Aerial Acrobat:** Willow Flycatcher can snatch flying insects mid-air with lightning-fast dives and turns that helps them catch their meals. - **Voice Code:** Willow Flycatcher has a distinct 'fitz-bew' song that helps scientists and birdwatchers identify it from other similar species. - **Willow Weaver:** Willow Flycatcher can build sturdy, cup-shaped nests hidden deep within dense willow branches, protecting their eggs and young. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 13-17 cm - **Wingspan:** 20-25 cm - **Weight:** 0.012-0.018 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-7 years - **Speed:** 35 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-5 - **Incubation:** 12-14 days - **Migration Distance:** 6000 km ## Diet & Feeding Feeds mostly on flying insects, catching them mid-air for a tasty meal. - **Primary Foods:** Flies, Beetles, Wasps, Moths, Dragonflies - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Sharp-shinned Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sharp-shinned-hawk) (*Accipiter striatus*) — A common forest hawk that preys on smaller birds, including flycatchers. - **Eaten by:** Common Garter Snake (*Thamnophis sirtalis*) — Snakes sometimes raid low nests for eggs and helpless nestlings. - **Shelter:** Sandbar Willow (*Salix exigua*) — Favors dense willow thickets near water for nesting and foraging. - **Eats:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Consumes a variety of flying insects, including common house flies. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability. - [Threatened](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/threatened): Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Willow Flycatcher? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Willow Flycatcher? 13-17 cm ### What is Willow Flycatcher's wingspan? 20-25 cm ### How much does Willow Flycatcher weigh? 0.012-0.018 kg ### How long does Willow Flycatcher live? 3-7 years ### How fast can Willow Flycatcher move? 35 km/h ### What does Willow Flycatcher eat? Feeds mostly on flying insects, catching them mid-air for a tasty meal. ### Where is Willow Flycatcher usually found? Wetlands ## Where to spot - [Concord Monument Square-Lexington Road Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/concord-monument-square-lexington-road-historic-district) — Massachusetts, US · Historic District - [Marymoor Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marymoor-park) — Washington, US · Nature Reserve - [Marine Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/marine-park) — New York, US · Park - [Howard Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/howard-avenue-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Lighthouse Point Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lighthouse-point-park) — US · Nature Reserve - [New Haven Green](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/new-haven-green) — Connecticut, US · Historic District [View all places to see Willow Flycatcher](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/willow-flycatcher) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Willow Flycatcher: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/willow-flycatcher)