The Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) is a bird species belonging to the family Tyrannidae. This bird can be found in various parts of North and Central America, especially in the Western United States.
Basic Description
As its name suggests, this flycatcher has an ash-colored throat that contrasts with its brownish-gray head and back. Its wings and tail feathers are darker with hints of reddish-brown on them. The black bill is slightly curved at the tip, which makes it easy for them to catch flying insects.
Where To Find This Bird
The Ash-throated Flycatchers breed primarily in southern Canada upward towards Alaska all across much of western United States down into Mexico, Central America as well as northern Venezuela. These birds migrate south during winter months to spend time in Southwestern United States or even further South into Central or Northern South America.
Habitat
These flycatchers prefer open woodlands, riparian areas near rivers or streams, savannahs or scrub habitats where they can perch on tall shrubs or trees while looking for their insect prey. They also thrive in urban areas like parks and gardens if there are enough trees around.
Food
Ash-throated Flycatchers feed mainly on insects such as beetles, moths, flies and grasshoppers but will occasionally eat small fruits too when available during lean seasons,
Cool Facts
-Unlike other birds that use twigs and leaves to build their nests these birds use snakeskin! They cover everything from inside out with snake skins making it difficult for any predators to smell.
-Male Ash-Throated Flycatchers sing up to 25 different songs each lasting only seconds long.
-In times when food resources get scarce, a group of Ash-throated Flycatchers feed on the same source together.
