Fascinating Flycatchers: Exploring Oregon's Winged Insect Hunters
Types of Flycatchers in Oregon
When it comes to Flycatchers, Oregon is home to a diverse range of species that are both unique and fascinating. In this section, we are going to discuss some of the common species of Flycatchers that can be found in Oregon.
Cordilleran Flycatcher
The Cordilleran Flycatcher is a small bird that is commonly found in the western United States, including Oregon. The bird is characterized by its olive-gray upperparts, yellow underparts, and a distinctive white eye-ring. They are mostly seen during breeding season from May to August.
Western Wood-Pewee
Western Wood-Pewees are small, gray-brown birds that can be spotted on higher elevations of coastal mountains. They are known for their distinctive call, which sounds like "pee-wee".
Alder Flycatcher
Alder Flycatchers get their name from the fact that they are commonly found in alder thickets and other deciduous habitats. They are small birds with a brownish-green upperparts, yellowish underparts, and distinctive eye-rings.
Black Phoebe
Black Phoebe is a small, black and white bird that is commonly found in wooded areas, streams, and ponds. They are well known for their distinct calls and their habit of wagging their tails when perched.
Eastern Phoebe
The Eastern Phoebe is a small songbird that is found in the eastern parts of North America. They are also occasionally spotted in western Oregon areas during migration. They have a dark brown upperparts and pale yellow underparts, with a black bill and distinctive crest.
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Olive-sided Flycatchers are medium-sized birds that have a dark gray head and a white throat and belly. They are often found in coniferous forests in Oregon and are best known for their characteristic call– "quick-three-beers".
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
The Pacific-slope Flycatcher is a small, olive-brown bird that is commonly found in Oregon forests. They have a pale yellow underside and the distinctive eye ring is white creating an overall bright expression on their faces
Willow Flycatcher
Willow Flycatchers are small, brown birds that are known for their melodious songs, which can be heard during breeding season. They have a pale underside, olive-brown upperparts, and a distinctive white eye-ring.
Gray Flycatcher
The Gray Flycatcher is a small, plain-looking bird with a grayish-brown upperparts and pale underside. They breed in open pine forest and sagebrush in eastern Oregon and are relatively uncommon.
Dusky Flycatcher
The Dusky Flycatcher is a small, stocky bird that is named after its dusky brown color. They breed in Oregon forests and shrublands. Dusky Flycatchers can be difficult to spot, but their distinctive "whit" call can be heard from a distance.
10 Species of Flycatchers Found in Oregon
Oregon is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts owing to the rich diversity of birds found in the state. Flycatchers, also known as Tyrant Flycatchers, are a popular sight in Oregon. In this section, we will discuss ten species of flycatchers commonly found in Oregon and their unique characteristics.1. Black Phoebe
The Black Phoebe is a small, dark flycatcher with a distinctive white belly and undertail coverts. Its scientific name is Sayornis nigricans. They are often found perched on trees, fence posts, and rocks near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. They have a call that sounds like "pseet" and feed on insects, including dragonflies, butterflies, and moths.2. Olive-sided Flycatcher
The Olive-sided Flycatcher, also known as the Contopus cooperi, is a medium-sized flycatcher found in open woodlands and alpine areas. They are named after their distinctive olive-green sides. They have a loud, clear call that sounds like "quick three beers." They feed on insects, including moths and butterflies, and also consume berries and fruits.3. Pacific-slope Flycatcher
The Pacific-slope Flycatcher, also known as the Empidonax difficilis, is a small, brown flycatcher with a yellowish belly and two white wingbars. They are commonly found in coniferous forests and near water sources such as streams and ponds. They have a call that sounds like "chip", "peep", or "pit". They feed mainly on insects such as aphids, beetles, and flies.4. Western Wood-Pewee
The Western Wood-Pewee, also known as the Contopus sordidulus, is a small, brown flycatcher with a pale belly and thin, whistling call. They are commonly found in open woodlands and forest edges. They feed mainly on insects and consume berries and fruits occasionally.5. Dusky Flycatcher
The Dusky Flycatcher, also known as the Empidonax oberholseri, is a small, grayish flycatcher with a distinctive white eye-ring and wingbars. They are commonly found in dry, open forests and near meadows, especially in the western regions of Oregon. They have a call that sounds like "whit", "seet", or "pit". They feed mainly on insects such as beetles, moths, and flies.6. Hammond's Flycatcher
The Hammond's Flycatcher, also known as the Empidonax hammondii, is a small, grayish flycatcher with a distinctive white eye-ring and wingbars. They are commonly found in coniferous forests and near water sources such as streams and ponds. They have a call that sounds like "pit" or "peet". They feed mainly on insects such as aphids, beetles, and flies.7. Ash-throated Flycatcher
The Ash-throated Flycatcher, also known as the Myiarchus cinerascens, is a medium-sized flycatcher with a distinctive gray-brown coloration and a pale belly. They are commonly found in arid habitats and oak woodlands. They have a call that sounds like a harsh "tseep". They feed mainly on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and ants.8. Say's Phoebe
The Say's Phoebe, also known as Sayornis saya, is a small, brown flycatcher with a brick-red belly. They are commonly found in open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, and agricultural areas. They have a call that sounds like "pseet" or "fee-be". They feed mainly on insects such as flies, bees, and wasps.9. Willow Flycatcher
The Willow Flycatcher, also known as Empidonax traillii, is a small, olive-green flycatcher with a rust-colored crown. They are commonly found in riparian habitats near streams and rivers. They have a call that sounds like a raspy "fitz-bew". They feed mainly on insects such as beetles, moths, and flies.10. Gray Flycatcher
The Gray Flycatcher, also known as Empidonax wrightii, is a small, grayish flycatcher with a pale belly and a distinctive whitish eye-ring. They are commonly found in dry, open habitats such as sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands. They have a call that sounds like a soft, low "wheep". They feed mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and moths.Types of Flycatchers Found in Oregon
Oregon is home to a diverse range of flycatcher species that can be spotted throughout the state. Here are the five most common flycatchers that you can find in Oregon:
| Flycatcher Species | Appearance and Characteristics | Location and Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Western Wood-Pewee | The Western Wood-Pewee Flycatcher is a small bird that has an olive-brown upper body, a pale yellow breast, and a grayish-pale belly. It has a dark bill and short tail feathers. These birds have a distinct and compelling "pewee" call. | The Western Wood-Pewee Flycatcher can be found in coniferous forests and mixed deciduous forests throughout Oregon. |
| Pacific-slope Flycatcher | The Pacific-slope Flycatcher has an olive-brown upper body, a yellowish-gray breast, and a pale-yellow belly. It has a dark bill, noticeable white eye ring, and short tail feathers. They produce a high-pitched "peet-zee-oo" song. | This species of flycatcher prefers riparian corridors, suburban parks, and gardens with mixed vegetation in Oregon. |
| HAMMOND's flycatcher | HAMMOND's flycatcher has an olive-green upper body, a light-gray face, and a pale-white belly. Their undersides are yellowish, and they have dark bill, eye ring, and faintly showing wing-bars. They have a voice that is similar to the Pacific-slope Flycatcher, but with a descending note at the end. | Hammond's Flycatcher can be spotted in coniferous forests and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests, especially during breeding season when they fly to higher altitudes. |
| Willow Flycatcher | Wyoming Flycatcher is a dainty bird that has an olive-green upper body, a bright yellow belly, and a white throat. Its bill is dark and legs are light. Willow Flycatcher emit a harsh "fitz-bew" call. | Willow Flycatchers love willow trees and wetlands, and can be found in Oregon, where they breed and migrate between Western North America and Central America every year. |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher | Olive-sided Flycatcher is a robust bird with a flat-topped head, a grayish brown neck, dark wings, and white underparts. They also have a distinct white patch of feathers on each side of their rump. Their call is a piercing, three-noted "quick, three beers." | This flycatcher species usually feeds in open habitats adjacent to forests, such as clearcuts or burns, and can be found in Oregon mountains such as the Cascade and Blue Mountain Ranges. |
These species of flycatchers are generally between 5-7 inches long and can be distinguished by their unique calls and appearances. Spending some time identifying these birds in their respective habitats can elevate your birdwatching, and give you a chance to appreciate the unique variation of birdlife in Oregon.
Western Wood-Pewee Flycatcher
The Western Wood-Pewee Flycatcher is a common insectivorous bird in Oregon that can be found in both high and low elevation forests. They feed on insects and have been recorded to eat small fruits, too. The Western Wood-Pewee makes up for its drabness with its pleasant calls and gentle nature. Their "pewee" song can be heard from May to August.
During the breeding season, persistent individuals can be seen perched on a tall twig or branch, often mid-canopy to the understory. They are not shy and can be observed from a distance, making them a favorite for birdwatchers. Western Wood-Pewees have been found to build their nests on damage tree branches.
Hammond's Flycatcher
The species Hammond's Flycatcher is named after the American naturalist William Alexander Hammond, and is common to Oregon's tourist areas. These birds are relatively inconspicuous, and often sing from a shadowy tree lower-level. They usually stay high up in the canopy, making it difficult for birdwatchers to see them. Hammond's Flycatcher has an unusual mating practices, with the male and female taking turns building the nest.
Hammond's Flycatcher is a long-distance migrant that breeds mainly in the Pacific Northwest, but spends their winters in South America. They have a lifespan of about eight years and can be found in both youthful and senescent forest areas.
Willow Flycatcher
Willow Flycatcher is another common flycatcher species that can be found in Oregon. They are known for their song that resembles a descending "fitz-bew." These birds usually live in willow forests, but can also be found in marshes, swamps, and shrubby areas. They are socially monogamous and reach sexual maturity at around one year old.
Willow Flycatchers are very secretive birds that are hard to find. They usually build their nests in dense undergrowth and shrubs, over streams or a damp gully. Despite their elusiveness, they make great photographic subjects when found, which makes them a favorite of many birdwatchers. Willow Flycatcher is a neotropical migratory bird that winters in Central America and breeds in the United States.
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Olive-sided Flycatchers are large-bodied birds that have a peculiar distinctive pale band across their greyish-white breast. They are usually found perched in small trees, where they attempt to catch insects in flight. These birds are typically known for their recognizable calls, which become more frequent in breeding season.
By listening for its high-pitched, three-noted song "quick, three beers" in forested areas, birdwatchers can spot these fascinating birds. Olive-sided Flycatchers' wide range across North America, allow them to visit widespread habitats from boreal forests to the Pacific Northwest's subalpine meadow.
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