The Acadian flycatcher is a small insect-eating bird of the tyrant flycatcher family.
Region
Eastern North America and northern Neotropics
Typical Environment
Breeds in mature, shady deciduous forests of the eastern United States and into southern Canada, especially along ravines and forested streams. Prefers extensive, unfragmented tracts with a closed canopy and sparse understory. In the nonbreeding season it winters from southern Central America into northern South America, including Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. During migration it uses riparian corridors and woodlots.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Acadian flycatcher is a small insect-eating bird of the tyrant flycatcher family and one of the trickiest Empidonax flycatchers to identify by sight alone. Its explosive 'peet-sah!' song is a key field clue, and it often nests on horizontal branches over shaded streams. It is sensitive to forest fragmentation and is frequently parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick aerial sallies from shaded perches
Social Behavior
Breeding pairs defend territories in mature forest and place a delicate cup nest on horizontal branches, often over water. The female incubates while the male patrols the territory. Brood parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds is common in fragmented habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A sharp, explosive two-part 'peet-sah!' often rendered as 'pizza!'. Calls include dry chips and sharp peeps, frequently delivered from shaded mid-canopy perches.
Plumage
Olive-green upperparts with slightly paler nape and grayish-olive crown; whitish underparts with a faint yellow wash on the flanks; crisp but not bold contrast overall.
Diet
Primarily takes flying insects such as flies, midges, wasps, bees, beetles, and small moths captured in mid-air. Also gleans spiders and small insects from foliage. Occasionally consumes small berries, especially outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages from shaded mid- to upper-canopy perches along forested streams and within mature deciduous stands. Uses sallying flights to snatch prey and returns to the same or nearby perch.
