Bird Guide

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

Least ConcernInvertebratesShrublandCup nestTiny · 13 g

About the Alder Flycatcher

The alder flycatcher is a small insect-eating bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. The genus name Empidonax is from Ancient Greek empis, "gnat", and anax, "master". The specific alnorum is Latin and means "of the alders".

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

E. alnorum is one of the larger Empidonax species, attaining a length of 13–17 cm (5.1–6.7 in), and a weight of 12–14 g (0.42–0.49 oz). The wingspan ranges from 21–24 cm (8.3–9.4 in). The upperparts of E. alnorum are dull greenish-olive. The crown is a slightly darker olive-green than the back. The throat is white, with a darker breast band. Thin white rings surround the eyes. The bill is wide and moderate in length, with pinkish or yellow-orange lower mandible and black upper mandible. Wings are generally black, with white wing bars and white edges of the innermost secondaries (tertials). Voice: The vocalizations of the alder flycatcher are very useful for its identification in the field. The song is a distinct "fee-bee-o"; birds have been observed to throw their heads back and shake their tails while singing. There are a variety of calls made, the most common of which is a "pit" sound produced when foraging.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Alder Flycatcher sounds like

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Doug Hynes · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where the Alder Flycatcher lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Brazil, Norway, Bahamas, Ireland, Cayman Islands, French Guiana, Guadeloupe.

When to see the Alder Flycatcher

Peak activity in June · a summer visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Alder Flycatcher vs Willow Flycatcher · Acadian Flycatcher vs Alder Flycatcher · Alder Flycatcher vs Boat-billed Flycatcher · Alder Flycatcher vs Yellow-bellied Flycatcher · Alder Flycatcher vs Hammond's Flycatcher

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