Least Flycatcher

Overview

The least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) is a small insect-eating bird and the smallest Empidonax flycatcher in eastern North America. Also known as the chebec, it is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Measures 12 to 14 cm in height with a wingspan of 19 to 22 cm and weighs approximately 10.3 g.
• Plumage is dull olive-gray on the back and notably brighter whitish on the belly compared to congeners.
• Features two white wing bars, white eye-rings, and a short beak with a yellowish lower mandible.
• Produces a dry, piercing 'che-bec' call where the second syllable is louder than the first.

Habitat

Breeds in the Eastern Rockies of Canada and the Central-North and Northeastern United States, preferring aspen clusters, orchards, shade trees, and open woods. It typically nests near clearings or forest edges but can also be found in dry woods and occasionally in coniferous groves. During winter, it migrates to Central America, inhabiting forest edges and second growth from Mexico to Panama.

Diet

Feeds primarily on insects such as wasps, winged ants, beetles, caterpillars, midges, grasshoppers, spiders, and other small invertebrates, occasionally consuming berries. Foraging involves watching from a perch and catching insects mid-air, with 81.1% of prey captured by hovering and only 3.1% by gleaning. The bird acts as a slow searcher, switching perches around ten times per minute and turning to scan its surroundings.

Did you know?

The species is also known as the chebec or chebecker, a name derived directly from the sound of its piercing call. Males in the same area often sing in unison, delivering their calls approximately 60 times per minute during the morning.