Yellowish Flycatcher

The Yellowish Flycatcher, scientifically known as Empidonax flavescens, is a diminutive avian member of the Tyrant Flycatcher family. This species, with its olive-green upper parts and yellow underparts tinged with an ochre hue on the breast, is a visual delight. The wings are a darker shade, almost blackish, adorned with two buff wing bars. A distinctive white eye ring, which expands into a small triangle behind the eye, is a key feature for identification. Both sexes share a similar plumage, while juveniles exhibit a browner back and a paler yellow below.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, note the prominent white eye ring and the yellowish underparts, which are more vivid than those of the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. This species can be confused with migratory Empidonax species, but the Yellowish Flycatcher's eye ring and coloration are distinguishing characteristics.

Habitat

The Yellowish Flycatcher favors the cool mountain forests, thriving particularly at the edges, in clearings, along roadsides, near streams, and in secondary growth as well as bushy pastures.

Distribution

This bird graces the highlands with its presence, ranging from southeastern Mexico to western Panama. It is typically found at altitudes from 800 meters to nearly 2,500 meters.

Behaviour

These solitary creatures, except during breeding season, exhibit a lively demeanor. They are often seen alone, actively foraging for food. Their nests are constructed from plant fiber and mosses, discreetly placed in tree trunk crevices or earth banks, frequently near streams.

Song & Calls

The Yellowish Flycatcher communicates with a thin 'seeep' call and greets the dawn with a rapid, repeated 'seee seee chit' song.

Breeding

The female meticulously incubates a clutch of two or three white eggs, speckled with pale rufous, for 14 to 15 days until hatching. Fledging occurs after another 17 days. Notably, they are known to accept the eggs of brood parasites, occasionally hosting the bronzed cowbird.

Diet and Feeding

An insectivorous diet is the mainstay for the Yellowish Flycatcher, which includes spiders and a selection of small berries. Nestlings are exclusively fed insects, with spiders being a particular favorite. They employ various foraging techniques, such as gleaning from foliage, capturing prey in short flights, or occasionally picking from the ground.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Yellowish Flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.