Willow Flycatcher
Empidonax traillii
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Willow Flycatcher is a small bird, though relatively large among Empidonax flycatchers. It's olive-brown above with a pale yellowish belly and two whitish-gray wing bars.
It has a slightly crested head, dark eyes, and a wide bill that's dark above and yellow-orange below. The white throat contrasts with a dull olive-brownish breast band.
Juveniles closely resemble adults but have buffier wing bars and more yellowish undersides. Males and females appear identical, though they can be distinguished during breeding season through close examination.
Size
Length
13cm to 17cm
Wingspan
22cm to 24cm
Weight
11g to 16g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Olive
Secondary Colour
White Yellow
Beak Colour
Black Yellow Pink
Leg Colour
Black
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Willow Flycatchers inhabit moist, shrubby areas near water, including willow thickets, alder groves, and streamside bushes. They are found across North America, from Alaska to the eastern United States and south to Mexico.
During the breeding season, they are widely distributed across the US and southern Canada. In winter, they migrate to Central America and northern South America, with some populations reaching as far as Ecuador.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 2,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Willow Flycatcher. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Exceptional aerial manoeuvrability demonstrated through precise insect-catching flights and quick directional changes. Their 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy requires swift, accurate movements to successfully catch flying insects in mid-air.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small passerine weighing only 11-16g, the Willow Flycatcher possesses modest physical strength. Whilst capable of catching insects and defending territory, they're not built for powerful activities.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows good adaptability through their broad elevation range (sea level to 2,500m), varied habitat preferences, and ability to survive in different climate zones. Can supplement their insect diet with berries when needed.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Displays moderate aggression during breeding season with territorial defence and aerial chases. However, outside breeding season, they're generally not confrontational. Will defend nests against threats but aren't notably aggressive compared to other species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Demonstrates solid endurance through long-distance migrations from North America to South America. Their ability to maintain territories and conduct repeated hunting flights throughout the day also indicates good stamina, though they're not among the most enduring migrants.
Diet
Willow Flycatchers primarily feed on flying insects, including flies, beetles, and moths. They catch prey in mid-air with quick, agile flights from their perches.
During migration and in winter, they may supplement their diet with small berries and fruits.
Behaviour
Willow Flycatchers are known for their 'sit-and-wait' hunting strategy, perching on exposed branches and making short flights to catch insects. They often return to the same perch after catching prey.
During the breeding season, males become territorial and engage in aerial chases to defend their nesting areas.
Vocalisation
The Willow Flycatcher's song is a distinctive, sneezy 'fitz-bew' or 'fitzbew'. This vocalization is crucial for species identification, as it differs from the similar-looking Alder Flycatcher.
They also produce a soft 'whit' call and a more emphatic 'whitt' when agitated.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Willow Flycatchers typically begins in late May to early June. Males arrive at breeding grounds first and establish territories, attracting females with their distinctive songs.
Nests are cup-shaped structures made of grass, bark strips, and plant fibers, usually placed in the fork of a small tree or shrub near water. Females lay 3-4 creamy white eggs with brown spots.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after about 14 days. Pairs often raise two broods per season in some regions.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While listed as Least Concern globally, some subspecies of the Willow Flycatcher face significant threats. The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher is endangered due to habitat loss and degradation of riparian areas.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland and riparian habitats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'fitz-bew' call, especially in early summer
- Look for them perched on exposed branches near water or in shrubby areas
- Observe their quick, darting flights as they catch insects
- In the US, focus on riparian areas and wetlands during breeding season (May-August)
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Traill's Flycatcher, Little Willow Flycatcher, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
Family:
TyrannidaeAverage Lifespan
3 to 4 years
Max Lifespan
11 years [4]
Predators
Main predators include hawks, owls, jays, and snakes. Nest predators also include raccoons, squirrels, and domestic cats in some areas.
Did You Know?
- Willow Flycatchers can snap their bills shut with enough force to produce an audible 'click' when catching insects.
- They are one of the latest spring migrants, often not arriving on breeding grounds until June.
- The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher subspecies is highly endangered, with fewer than 1,000 pairs remaining.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Empidonax traillii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22699848A138005562.
View source - 3 4
report: Partners in Flight 2019; Rosenberg et al. 2019
- 2
website, 2020: Partners in Flight
View source
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