Acadian Flycatcher

Overview

The Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) is a small insect-eating bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Adults feature olive upperparts that are darker on the wings and tail, contrasting with whitish underparts washed with olive on the breast.
• Distinctive markings include a white eye ring and white wing bars.
• The bill is wide, with a dark upper mandible and a yellowish lower mandible.
• The species produces an explosive 'peet-sa' song and a soft 'peet' call, along with a unique two-note 'ka-zeep' song.

Habitat

Breeding occurs in deciduous forests, often near water, across the eastern United States and southwestern Ontario. These birds migrate through eastern Mexico and the Caribbean to southern Central America and the northwest of South America.

Diet

This bird primarily catches insects in flight by hawking from perches or by gleaning from foliage while hovering. It may also consume some berries and seeds.

Did you know?

Despite its common name, the Acadian flycatcher has no native range in Nova Scotia or historic Acadia, a result of a misidentified type specimen used when the species was first described.