Willow Flycatcher

Chiefly an autumn migrant in Sonoma County. Earliest arrivals usually show up in mid-August. Most are gone by early October. Seems most common in mid- to late September, but never abundant. Many probably go unreported, however, because of common confusion with Western Wood-Pewee (Cantopus sordidulus). Spring records are rare (Parmeter and Wight list only one, May 1, 2009, at Campbell Cove), but has been noted in surrounding counties during spring migration. More common along the coast than inland. Likes lightly wooded and brushy areas near water, especially willows, but may turn up near wet fields, at pond edges, or any appropriate habitat during migration. Winters in Mexico and Central America. Known to be a common cowbird host. Western populations apparently declining, mostly because of habitat loss (favors willows for nesting), according to Fix and Bezener. Older sources will list this bird as Traill's Flycatcher. Split into Willow Flycatcher and Alder Flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum), which has a normal range to the east of the Rockies, in 1973, based on research stemming from call differences (Alder says fee-bee-o, Willow says fitz-bew!.

A comparatively large Empidonax flycatcher. Brownish olive above. Less green than many other Empids., but generally not as brown as Western Wood-Pewee. Weak to no eye-ring. flattish head with slight crest. Comparatively broad, heavy bill. Dark upper mandible. Lower mandible usually dark at tip, showing some color (orange-ish) at the base, but this is variable and often difficult to see. Photographs are very unreliable in this respect. Bill can look all dark in one light and show color at the base of the bill with a small turn of the bird's head. Pale at the throat. Paler belly and vent, but with some diffuse drab color at the upper breast (less pronounced than in Western Wood-Pewee). Moderately long wingtips, but the primary extension should be markedly shorter than in Western Wood-Pewee (see link below). Drab wing bars. Comparatively long tail. Apparent length of tail accentuated by short primary extension.

Often seen flycatching from a perch, but appears fidgety. Tends to change perches frequently. Flicks its tail while perched. This behavior is one of the best for separating Willow Flycatcher from Western Wood-Pewee, which tends to sit still, looking around for insects before flitting out to catch food, often returning to the same perch. Pewees generally do not flick their tails like Empidonax flycatchers.

Voice: Say's fitz-bew. Often described as having a "sneezy" quality. Sibley describes it as a "burry rrrEEP-yew." Call note is "whit." Western Wood-Pewee gives a nasal peeyeee, or peeeer. See links below to compare.

What is primary extension?