The western flycatcher is a small insectivorous bird in the family Tyrannidae. It is native to western North America, where it breeds in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Coast forests and mountain ranges from California to Alaska and south to central Mexico; northern populations migrate south to Mexico for the winter.
Region
Western North America
Typical Environment
Breeds from coastal Alaska and British Columbia south through the Pacific Coast forests to California, and inland through the Cascades and Rocky Mountains into the southwestern United States and highlands of northern and central Mexico. In winter, most northern populations migrate south to western and central Mexico and Baja California Sur. Prefers moist coniferous and mixed forests, shaded canyons, and riparian corridors with dense understory. Often associated with streamside habitats and cool, well-shaded slopes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The western flycatcher is a small Empidonax flycatcher that is notoriously hard to identify by sight, so its voice and breeding range are often key. It typically nests in shady, moist forests, often near streams, using mossy ledges, banks, or human structures. Formerly treated as two species (Pacific-slope and Cordilleran), many authorities now recognize them together as Western Flycatcher. It catches insects by sallying from perches and frequently flicks its tail and wings.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallying from perches
Social Behavior
Pairs form on breeding territories where males sing from mid-story perches. Nests are often placed on mossy ledges, banks, or structures near running water; the female handles most incubation while both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season, it may join mixed-species flocks loosely in forested habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Male song is a series of thin, slurred whistles and rising phrases, often delivered from shaded perches. Common calls include a sharp, rising 'pseek' or two-part 'pit-seet' used in contact and alarm.
