Empidonax occidentalis
After launching from an exposed perch, a Cordilleran Flycatcher demonstrates the famed foraging technique characteristic of its family: snapping up a flying insect in mid-air, the flycatcher loops back to return to the same perch it vacated moments earlier. Cordilleran Flycatchers arrive in the Rockies' still woods in April and begin nesting in the latter part of May. 'Hawking' and 'sallying' are words used interchangeably with the term 'flycatching.' The Cordilleran Flycatcher and the Pacific-slope Flycatcher were formerly lumped together in one species, called the Western Flycatcher. Although now regarded as distinct species, their similar field characteristics remain a troubling issue that perpetuates their uncertain status. The scientific name occidentalis is Latin for 'western.' |
I.D.: Sexes similar: olive-green upperparts; 2 white wing bars; yellowish throat; light-colored eye ring; orange lower mandible. Size: L 51/2 in. (14 cm). Range: uncommon to common breeder in the southern U.S. Rockies; rare elsewhere in the Rockies. Habitat: coniferous and riparian woodlands or shady deciduous forests, often near seepages and springs, in the montane. Nesting: in a cavity in a small tree, bank, bridge or cliff face; lines the cavity with moss, lichens, plant fibers, bark, fur and feathers; female incubates 3-4 eggs for 15 days. Feeding: flycatches for insects. Voice: Male: call is a chipper whistle: swee-deet. Similar Species: Willow Flycatcher and Western Wood-Pewee: no eye rings. Least, Hammond's and Dusky flycatchers: lack the almond-shaped eye ring and the completely orange lower mandible; songs are very useful in field identification. |
