Bird Guide

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

Least ConcernInvertebratesForestCup nestTiny · 10 g

About the Least Flycatcher

The least flycatcher is a small insect-eating bird. It is the smallest Empidonax flycatcher in eastern North America.

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

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The least flycatcher is hard to distinguish from the other birds of its genus. The bird is one of the smallest of the genus Empidonax, measuring 12 to 14 cm in height with a wingspan of 19 to 22 cm and weighing approximately 10.3 g. Its plumage is dull olive-gray on its back and whitish on its belly, notably brighter than the other Empidonax birds. The least flycatcher's wings are lined with two white bars, and white rings contour its eyes. Its beak is short and the lower mandible is yellowish. Voice: The vocalization of the least flycatcher is often characterized as being dry and sounding like a piercing «che-bec» pushed with strength, the second syllable being louder than the first. During the hottest days of the summer, they often call incessantly. Singing is essential to the least flycatcher to establish and defend their territory.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Least Flycatcher sounds like

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

Where the Least Flycatcher lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Cuba, Colombia, Iceland.

When to see the Least Flycatcher

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

Easily confused with

Side by side: Least Flycatcher vs Western Flycatcher · Least Flycatcher vs Willow Flycatcher · Acadian Flycatcher vs Least Flycatcher

Learn the Least Flycatcher in BeakBrain

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