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Nature's Solace
Celebrating Nature in the Pacific Northwest
Western Flycatcher - Empidonax difficilis
Often on my forest walk at Peabody Creek I'd hear the call of this sweet little bird who favored the mid-canopy tree branches. Occasionally I'd see his flitting movement, but could never catch a clear glimpse. Then he came down to my level one day at Murdock Beach - a more unusual habitat. He chose the low branches of fallen trees for his perch and I was treated to more than a glimpse.
Flycatchers are known for catching their prey on the fly. They will fly off from their perch, catch insects mid-air and then return to the same perch. Sometimes they'll do what's known as "hawking" - hovering mid-air and then pick their prey off of leaves and branches.[1] The Pacific Slope Flycatcher hunts largely from the interior of trees or large shrubs, flying out to catch its prey beneath the canopy level. [2]
We have five species of flycatchers in Western Washington - all looking ridiculously similar. They all have a simple two-three note call like "fitz-bew" or "peeWEET" or "Quick, three beers!". It takes hearing the call to know who is who. The Western Flycatcher is the "peeWEET" singer.
Click here to listen to their song and calls
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The Western Flycatcher seems to be monogamous with the pair sharing in incubation for a period of 14 days and feeding duties. The nest can be set in large trees, shrubs, cavities and even artificial structures, typically 15 - 20 feet above ground. The nest is disguised with moss and lichen stuck on with bits of spiderweb. [2] The young will make their maiden flight at age 14- 18 days.
We are lucky to be one of this bird's breeding ground. The Western Flycatchers migrate to Washington in late April to early May
for their breeding season. Most will leave in late July and early August; heading for the lowlands of western and southern Mexico for the winter. Some will delay their southward trip until mid-September. [3]
Click here to see their migration Range Map.
The Westen Flycatcher was previously known as the Pacific Slope Flycatcher, distinquishing him from it's almost identical twin known as the Cordilleran Flycatcher. In 2023, ornithologists lumped them back together again as same species - the Western Flycatcher, [2]
Resources:
1 - Birds of North America
2 - All About Birds
3 - Bird Web
4 - Audubon Field Guide
Flying off his perch to catch a bite to eat
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