Alder Flycatchers
The Alder Flycatchers (Empidonax alnorum) is a small insect-eating bird of the tyrant flycatcher family. At one time, this bird was considered to be the same species as the very similar Willow Flycatcher
Distribution / Range
The Aider Flycatchers spend the summers (breeding territories) in deciduous thickets, often alders or willows, near water across Canada, Alaska and the northeastern United States.
They migrate south to South America for the winter, usually near water.
Description
Adults have olive-brown upper plumage, browner on the wings and tail. The plumage below is whitish.
They have a white eye ring, white wing bars, a small bill and a short tail. The chest is washed with olive-grey. The upper part of the bill is grey and the lower bill is orangish.
Breeding / Nesting
They construct a cup nest low in a vertical fork in a shrub.
Diet / Feeding
The Alder Flycatchers typically wait on a perch near the top of a shrub and fly out to catch insects in flight. They may also pick insects from foliage while hovering and eat some berries and seeds.
Calls / Vocalizations
Its call is described as a wheezed wee-bee or a quick preet.