Gray flycatcher

The Gray Flycatcher is one of many species in the genus Empidonax. These species are very similar in appearance and behavior, and they are notoriously difficult to differentiate. The best characteristics for distinguishing these species are voice, breeding habitat, and range. The Gray Flycatcher, however, can be identified by a unique behavior, its downward tail wag. Other Empidonax species typically exhibit a rapid upward tail flick.

The Gray flycatcher is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Gray Flycatcher is a common inhabitant of arid woodland and shrublands of the interior western United States in summer and northern Mexico in winter. From sagebrush (Artemisia) to piñon-juniper (Pinus edulis – Juniperus sp.) woodland to ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests of the Great Basin and intermountain region, this flycatcher actively defends territories and forages for insects from shrubs or from branches low in trees. More

The Gray Flycatcher is one of many species in the genus Empidonax. These species are very similar in appearance and behavior, and they are notoriously difficult to differentiate. The best characteristics for distinguishing these species are voice, breeding habitat, and range. The Gray Flycatcher, however, can be identified by a unique behavior, its downward tail wag. Other Empidonax species typically exhibit a rapid upward tail flick. More

Gray Flycatcher: Song is in two parts, rising in tone: "chiwip" or "chi-bit." Call is a soft "whit." Similar Species Gray Flycatcher: Most flycatchers are so similar in appearance that it is nearly impossible to tell them apart by sight alone without a bird in hand. However, their distinct songs and calls along with habitat are good diagnostics. . More

it was mistakenly thought that Gray Flycatchers did not breed north of Mexico and that the few birds found wintering in Arizona and southern California were an example of a "reverse migration" found in some tropical flycatchers. That is, they thought that these birds bred in Mexico and some flew north for the winter. More

Gray Flycatcher: Breeds from southern Washington and southwestern Wyoming south to eastern California, central Arizona, and central New Mexico. Spends winters in southern California and southern Arizona. Sagebrush and pinyon-juniper woodlands are preferred habitats. Listen to Call Voice Text "chiwip", "chi-bit", "whit" Interesting Facts * The Gray Flycatcher was not recognized as breeding in the United States until the early 20th century. More

Gray Flycatcher 1 - Deschutes Co, Oregon - Aug Gray Flycatcher 2 - Deschutes Co, Oregon - Aug Site Navigation More

Gray Flycatcher Range MapView dynamic map of eBird sightings Field MarksHelp - * AdultPopOutZoom In Adult * © Herbert Clarke / CLO Similar Species - * Closely resembles Dusky and Hammond's flycatchers. Habitat, song, and sometimes range are the best ways to distinguish among these species. More

Gray Flycatchers have a gray head, so the light eyering may be hard to see. Most Empids flick their tail upward, but Gray Flycatchers flick their tail downward. The call is a loud "wit!" Favored Habitat: Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands; higher-elevation Mojave Desert Scrub. Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) Where to Find: During migration, they can be found everywhere, but when you look for them, they are nowhere to be found; check Corn Creek and the Henderson BVP. More

North American RangeThe Gray Flycatcher is pale grayish overall, and its underparts are paler than those of the other Empidonax flycatchers. It has two white wing-bars and an uneven white eye-ring. back to top Habitat - Across much of its range, the Gray Flycatcher prefers sagebrush and juniper. In Washington, however, it is primarily a bird of open Ponderosa pine forests with grassy understories. More

, the Gray Flycatcher is a member of the Empidonax group of flycatchers, and migrates to Mexico and southeastern Arizona in the winter. Gray Flycatcher migration takes place at night, and males usually arrive on breeding grounds before females. Several methods are employed by Gray Flycatchers to claim and defend their territories, including songs, calls, and displays, and even fighting if necessary. The related Dusky Flycatcher is also excluded from Gray Flycatcher territories. More

The Gray Flycatcher lives up to its name, being nondescript grayish above and whitish below, with a white eye ring and two wing bars. Its lower mandible is usually orange with a dark tip. Gray Flycatcher Female - Sexes similar. Seasonal change in appearance - Winter adults are greener above and yellowish below. Juvenile - Similar to adults. More

The Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) is a drab flycatcher of the American west, breeding from southern British Columbia all the way to some areas of west Texas and Mexico. The shots shown here were digital captures with a Canon 1D Mark II and EF 600 mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender in the Davis Mountains, Jeff Davis Co., Texas in June, 2005. The next 3 Gray Flycatcher images show a wintering bird in Catalina, Pima Co., Arizona, in March, 2009. More

The Gray Flycatcher, Empidonax wrightii, is an insect-eating bird. It is a small Empidonax flycatcher, with typical length ranging from 14 More

The Gray Flycatcher song is a "cheerio." Grays are known for their continuous tail pumping as they sit on a conspicuous perch. Traill's Complex Willow Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher Song analysis of Alder/Willow Flycatchers This is the empid most likely to be confused with Western Wood Pewee and can be separated by its shorter, less pointed wing. More

Habitat Requirements: Gray Flycatchers are pinyon-juniper obligates in Colorado. They nest in open pinyon-juniper woodlands, especially where they are adjacent to or intermixed with sagebrush and/or greasewood openings. They use stands with large decadent and dead trees, whether dominated by juniper or by pinyon. Ecology: These birds arrive from Mexico by early May, and the nesting cycle begins soon after arrival. More

The Gray Flycatcher is similar to other Empidonax flycatchers, but is gray above and white below. Its color blends with the blue-gray hues of sagebrush and helps conceal it from predators. Its lower mandible is flesh-colored and its eye ring is not prominent. It also slowly bobs its tail. The Gray Flycatchers song is in two parts, rising in tone: chiwip (or chi-bit) cheep and its call is a soft whit. More