BIRD SPECIES

Willow Flycatcher

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Empidonax traillii

The Willow Flycatcher is a small, slender flycatcher with fairly long, thin tail and wings.

Both sexes measure about 5.1 - 6.7 inches in length, with a wingspan of 7.5 - 9.4 inches and weight around 11 - 16 grams.

They are brownish olive overall with a slight yellow wash to the belly. They have 2 whitish wingbars and white throat that contrasts with the brownish olive breast. They have a very thin and nearly absent white eyering.

CALL: A soft, dry "whit".

SONG: A hoarse "fitz-bew" from high perches in their territory. They also sing a burry "zip", which sounds similar to someone quickly zipping up a jacket. Each song lasts for less than 1 second, but they repeat each one over and over.

Males do most of the singing, but females also sing on occasion, though their songs tend to be quieter.

Primarily feeds on insects and spiders. They will also occasionally eat berries, and possibly seeds.

Breeds in thickets and small trees, especially near water, but also along woodland edges and brushy fields.

Summers throughout much of the United States in varying numbers.

Winters in South America.

The female weaves a small cup-shaped nest with grasses and other bits of vegetation. It is placed in a shrub or small tree, often quite low to the ground, and typically towards the outer edge of the shrub.

She lays 3 - 5 creamy white eggs with irregular brownish spots and blotches. She incubates them for about 2 weeks.

SOURCES:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org
https://www.sdakotabirds.com
https://en.wikipedia.org