Least Flycatcher

The Least Flycatcher is the smallest member of the Empidonax genus and, fortunately for birders, one of the easiest to identify thanks to its persistent, emphatic che-BEK call, repeated over and over from within the canopy. It shows the typical plain olive-gray upperparts, white eye-ring, and two whitish wing bars common to this notoriously difficult genus, but its diminutive size, relatively large-headed appearance, and distinctive voice help set it apart.

Active and often conspicuous for an Empidonax, it frequently flicks its wings and tail while perched, and is a common breeder in deciduous woodlands and edges across the northern and eastern United States and Canada.

Key Field Marks

• Small size with a relatively large-headed, short-tailed appearance
• Bold white eye-ring and two whitish wing bars
• Olive-gray upperparts and whitish underparts with a pale gray wash on the breast
• Frequent wing- and tail-flicking while perched

Similar Species

• Willow Flycatcher and Alder Flycatcher are larger, have fainter eye-rings, and lack the Least Flycatcher's distinctive che-BEK call.
• Hammond's Flycatcher and Dusky Flycatcher are similar in the West but do not overlap significantly with the Least Flycatcher's core eastern range; voice remains the best distinguishing tool.

Least Flycatchers breed across the northern and eastern United States and much of Canada, favoring deciduous and mixed woodlands, forest edges, aspen groves, and orchards, often nesting semi-colonially with several pairs in loose proximity.

The species winters from Mexico south to Panama, migrating relatively early in fall compared to some other Empidonax species.

Voice

Gives an emphatic, repetitive che-BEK call, often repeated dozens of times in succession, making it one of the most easily identified Empidonax flycatchers by ear.

Feeding

Sallies from a perch within the canopy or understory to catch flying insects, and also gleans prey from foliage; frequently flicks its wings and tail while foraging or perched.

Nesting

Builds a compact cup nest of plant fibers, bark strips, and plant down in the fork of a tree branch, often at a moderate height; sometimes nests in loose, semi-colonial groupings within suitable habitat.