Bird Guide

Alder Flycatcher vs Hammond's Flycatcher

Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum)

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

Tiny13 gShrubland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Jonathon Jongsma · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: worldbird · CC BY 4.0
Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii)

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

Tiny10 gForest

Adults are 12–14 cm long (4.7–5.5 in), span about 22 cm (8.7 in) across the wing and weigh 8–12 g (0.3–04 oz). They have grayish-olive upperparts, darker on the wings and tail, with whitish underparts; they have a conspicuous white eye ring, white wing bars, a small bill and a short tail. The breast is washed with grey and the sides of the belly with yellow. Females usually have a shorter, wider bill than males. Immature birds are similar to adults, but have broader wing bars and are more buff. Many species of Empidonax flycatchers are very similar in appearance. Voice: The song is a multi-versed, hoarse ssilit, greeep, silit, pweet. The call is a sharp peek. Hammond's flycatchers do not sing during the fall migration or on wintering grounds. They start singing in early May, shortly after their arrival on breeding grounds.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Jacob W. Frank · Public domain

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Alder Flycatcher and Hammond's Flycatcher.