Empidonax traillii

Description

This bird is nearly identical to the alder flycatcher and the least flycatcher (except it is larger and browner than the least flycatcher). The best way to tell this bird apart from the least flycatcher is through vocal identification.

Voice

The song is a sneezy fitz-bew while the call is a soft whit.

Habitat

They are found in bushes and willow thickets and are often in drier habitats, such as upland fields.

Diet

While they do eat some berries in the fall, willow flycatchers’ primary meal consists of insects.

Range

During the summer, willow flycatchers can be found throughout almost the whole United States, with the exception of the South East. They do migrate through that area in order to reach South America.

Other Useful Information

If a brown-headed cowbird lays an egg in the nest of a willow flycatcher, the flycatcher may bury the egg in the nest debris or build a completely new nest over top the egg.

Similar Species

Nearly identical to alder flycatchers and least flycatchers. Best way to tell them apart is through their call.