The ash-throated flycatcher is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Breeds from the southwestern United States west and south through California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, extending into Baja California and much of northern and central Mexico. Winters largely in Mexico and occasionally into northern Central America. Prefers open, arid to semi-arid woodlands, desert scrub with scattered trees, riparian corridors, and pinyon–juniper or oak savanna. Frequently occurs near saguaro stands and mesquite bosques where cavities are available. Uses nest boxes in rural and suburban edges if suitable perches and open foraging spaces are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An ash-throated flycatcher is a cavity-nesting tyrant flycatcher that readily uses old woodpecker holes, saguaros, and nest boxes. Like several Myiarchus, it often decorates nests with shed snakeskin or crinkly materials. It is easily confused with similar Myiarchus species, but its pale gray throat and modest yellow wash help separate it. The species helps control insect populations in arid and semi-arid habitats.
South Padre Island - Texas (flash photo)
Temperament
alert and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season and defends a territory centered on a nest cavity. Nests in natural holes, woodpecker excavations, saguaros, or nest boxes and often lines the nest with snakeskin and plant fibers. Outside breeding, may join loose mixed-species foraging groups in open habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of burry, wheezy phrases and dry prrt or ka-brik notes delivered from exposed perches. Song is less emphatic than Great Crested Flycatcher, with softer, scratchy sequences and descending squeaks.
Plumage
Dull brownish-gray above with a pale gray (ashy) throat and upper breast, fading to a light yellow wash on the belly. Wings show faint buffy wingbars and rufous edging to the primaries; tail is long with warm rufous inner webs and darker terminal band. Overall appearance is soft-toned and less contrasting than similar Myiarchus flycatchers.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, wasps, bees, true bugs, and butterflies by sallying from perches. Also gleans prey from foliage and ground when opportunities arise. In cooler months it supplements its diet with small berries and fruits.
Preferred Environment
Forages along woodland edges, desert scrub, riparian corridors, and open savanna with scattered perches. Often hunts from mid-level to high exposed perches, making short flights to snag prey and returning to the same or nearby perch.
