BREEDING BIRDS: WESTERN FLYCATCHER

WESTERN FLYCATCHER

(Empidonax difficilus Baird)

Description: Brownish-green above and yellow below; the breast has brownish tinge. Broad yellowish or whitish eye ring, usually wider behind the eye. Lower mandible is bright orange. Molts after migration. Late-summer birds and fall migrants are paler below, duller above.

Habitat: Moist, open woodlands. Also in coniferous forests and shady canyons.

Diet: Insects, berries and seeds.

Song: Differs between coastal and inland birds. Coastal birds sing a series of single, upslurred suwheet notes, occasionally interspersed with a high seet call. Interior birds sing a loud whee-seet , with the second note higher.

Nest: Locations vary from stream banks or roots of upturned trees to eaves, cliff ledges and small tree cavities. Outside is made of lichen, moss, rootlets, grass, and leaves; lining is shredded bark, hair and feathers.

Eggs: White to creamy, spotted with browns; occasional lavender, usually near larger end; less than one inch long.

Breeding bird atlas: To report bird breeding activity in your neighborhood, or to get information on the breeding bird atlas, call Sea and Sage Audubon Society members Sylvia Gallagher, (714) 962-8990, or Nancy Kenyon, (714) 786-3160.

Note: Map is divided into 5-kilometer squares so that Audubon Society volunteers can more easily survey areas on a regular basis.

Sources: Sea and Sage Audubon Society; “The Birder’s Handbook,” Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, Fireside Books (1988); “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” National Geographic Society (1987); “Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution,” Garrett and Dunn, Los Angeles Audubon Society (1981).

Indicates 5-kilometer-square areas where breeding activity has been confirmed.