Pine Flycatcher

The Pine Flycatcher, known scientifically as Empidonax affinis, is a modestly plumaged member of the Tyrannidae family, which encompasses the tyrant flycatchers. This species is characterized by its affinity for montane environments.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Pine Flycatcher, one should note its relatively nondescript appearance, typical of the Empidonax genus. Careful observation is required to distinguish it from its congeners.

Habitat

The Pine Flycatcher is most commonly found in montane tropical and subtropical coniferous forests, where it flits among the trees.

Distribution

This bird primarily resides in Mexico and southwestern Guatemala. Notably, a vagrant individual was spotted in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona in late May 2016, marking the first recorded appearance north of Mexico.

Behaviour

The Pine Flycatcher exhibits the typical behavior of its genus, actively foraging for insects among the forest canopy.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Pine Flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher degree of conservation action.