American Dusky Flycatcher

The American dusky flycatcher, known scientifically as Empidonax oberholseri, is a diminutive passerine belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. This species exhibits olive-gray upperparts that deepen in hue across the wings and tail. The underparts are a contrasting whitish tone, complemented by a medium-width white eye ring and white wing bars. The tail is of medium length, and the breast is tinged with the same olive-gray as the upperparts. Its bill is predominantly dark. In size, it finds itself slightly smaller than the American grey flycatcher and marginally larger than Hammond's flycatcher.

Identification Tips

When attempting to distinguish this bird from its congeners, note the white eye ring and wing bars, as well as the olive-gray wash on the breast. Size comparisons with similar species may also aid in identification.

Vocalizations

The male of the species serenades with a three-part song, while a common call shared with its relatives is a dry 'whit'. A less frequent call, which may be unique to the male, resembles a melancholic 'dew-hic'.

Taxonomy

The dusky flycatcher was named to honor Harry Church Oberholser, an esteemed American ornithologist.

Distribution

These birds are migratory, traveling to southern Arizona and Mexico. During migration, they are known to pass through the deserts of the southwestern United States, including the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan Deserts, where they make strategic stops along their flyway.

Habitat

The preferred breeding grounds for the dusky flycatcher are the mountain slopes and foothills adorned with brush and scattered trees, particularly ponderosa pine, across western North America. They construct a cup-shaped nest situated low in a vertical fork of a shrub.

Behaviour

The dusky flycatcher exhibits typical flycatcher foraging behavior, often perching openly before launching to capture insects mid-flight, a technique known as 'hawking'. They also engage in 'gleaning', plucking insects from foliage while hovering.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the American dusky flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.