The Alder Flycatcher: A Delicate Bird with a Siren Song
The Alder Flycatcher, or Empidonax alnorum, is an elusive passerine bird that belongs to the tyrant flycatchers family. These birds are often identified by their distinctive vocalizations and physical characteristics. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Alder Flycatcher’s lifestyle and habitat.
Basic Description:
Alder Flycatchers are small-sized birds that range from 4-5 inches in length and weigh about 0.3 ounces. They have olive-green upperparts and off-white underparts with bold white eye-rings. The wings are darker than the rest of their bodies, featuring two faint wing-bars on each side.
Where To Find This Bird:
These tiny songbirds breed across Canada all the way down to northern New England states such as Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire & Massachusetts; however they only stay in these regions during summer months when breeding occurs.
Habitat:
Alder flycatchers prefer wetlands or forested areas near streams where there is plenty of vegetation for cover as well as insects galore for food which makes them excellent insect hunters.
Food:
As mentioned earlier, these birds feed exclusively on arthropods such as beetles, moths & butterflies which make up nearly %90 percent of their diet! They catch these insects mid-air using strong beaks combined with quick reflexes making them one efficient predator within their ecosystem!
Cool Facts:
Did you know? These little birds produce almost identical sounds to Willow & Least flycathers which makes differentiating between species incredibly difficult even for experienced birdwatchers! Additionally male alder-flycather’s songs typically consist of three distinct phrases while females generally only sing two.
Another interesting fact is that researchers noted how female flycathers tend to lay eggs after hearing males sing particular songs indicating how their vocalizations may serve as a cue for females to begin reproduction.
In conclusion, the Alder Flycatcher is one of North America’s most fascinating birds. From its unique appearance and distinct vocalizations to its preferred habitat and food sources, this small bird plays an essential role in keeping our ecosystems healthy. So if you’re lucky enough to spot one, take a moment to appreciate this delicate creature’s grace!
