The olive-sided flycatcher is a small to medium sized passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatcher family. It is a migratory species that travels from South America to North America to breed during the summer. It is an agile flyer and mainly consumes flying insects caught in flight. Since 2016, this species has been assessed as being near-threatened globally (IUCN) and threatened in Canada (SRA) due to its declining populations.
Region
North America and northern Andes
Typical Environment
Breeds widely in boreal and montane coniferous forests from Alaska and Canada south through the western United States, with localized breeding in the Northeast. Prefers forest edges, openings, and post-fire landscapes with standing dead trees and prominent perches, often near wetlands or rivers. Winters primarily in montane forests of the northern Andes from Colombia through Ecuador and Peru into Bolivia. During migration it passes through much of western and central North America, stopping in open woodlands and riparian corridors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Olive-sided flycatchers are classic perch-and-sally hunters that launch from high, exposed snags to snatch flying insects mid-air. Their bold, dark 'vest' framing a pale center and the emphatic quick, THREE-BEERS! song make them easy to recognize. They favor post-fire and open conifer habitats, and population declines are linked to habitat loss and insect reductions across their range.
Olive-sided flycatcher consuming a butterfly.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with quick, direct sallies from high perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding pair, defending territories with prominent song perches. Nests are shallow cups placed high on horizontal conifer branches; both adults provision the young. Pairs often return to similar territories in successive years when habitat remains suitable.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, whistled quick, THREE BEERS! with the emphasis on the middle syllable, carrying far across forests. Calls include sharp pip or pit notes given from exposed perches.
