American dusky flycatcher

The American dusky flycatcher, or simply dusky flycatcher, is a small insectivorous passerine of the tyrant flycatcher family.

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Distribution

Region

Western North America

Typical Environment

Breeds from the interior ranges of British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountains, Great Basin ranges, and Sierra Nevada into the southwestern United States. Prefers open montane woodlands, aspen and mixed conifer edges, riparian thickets, and sagebrush slopes with scattered shrubs. Winters mainly in Mexico and the southwestern U.S., using scrub, oak-pine edges, and arid foothill thickets. It is most often found at woodland edges, clearings, and brushy canyons rather than dense forest interiors.

Altitude Range

600–3000 m

Climate Zone

Highland

Characteristics

Size13–16 cm

Wing Span20–24 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy4 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

Part of the notoriously tricky Empidonax group, the American dusky flycatcher is best identified by voice and habitat rather than plumage. It forages by sallying from low perches to catch flying insects and often flicks its tail subtly while perched. Nests are small cups placed in shrubs or low trees, and both parents help feed the young.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies

Social Behavior

Breeding pairs defend small territories in shrubby or edge habitats. The cup nest is placed low in shrubs or small trees; the female incubates while the male helps feed nestlings. Outside the breeding season they may join loose mixed flocks or occur singly in suitable thickets.

Migratory Pattern

Seasonal migrant

Song Description

Song is a soft, burry, two-noted phrase often rendered as 'dew-hic' or 'see-bew', delivered from a low perch. Calls include a dry 'whit' and soft chips that aid identification among similar Empidonax.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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