The Dusky Flycatcher, also known as the Empidonax oberholseri, is a small passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. These birds are native to North America and can be found in various regions of the United States.
Basic Description:
The Dusky Flycatcher measures about 5-6 inches in length and weighs approximately 0.3-0.4 ounces. This bird has brownish-gray plumage with a pale yellow underside and two white wing bars.
Where To Find This Bird:
Dusky Flycatchers breed in high elevation forests of western North American mountains from southern Alaska to central Mexico. They prefer open areas with shrubs, trees or timberline forest edges for nesting sites.
Habitat:
These birds prefer high-elevation habitats above 8,000 ft (2,400 m) where they nest on lower branches of coniferous trees such as fir or spruce; however they will occasionally use deciduous trees if no other option is available.
Food:
Dusky Flycatchers feed on insects such as flies, beetles and moths that they catch while flying from low perches within their habitat range.
Cool Facts:
One interesting fact about Dusky Flycatchers is that these birds have a unique way of communicating through song which helps them establish breeding territories during mating season.
Additionally, despite being small in size these birds are very territorial and can become aggressive towards other similar-sized bird species within their territory.
Lastly, researchers have discovered that some populations of Dusky Flycatchers undergo long-distance migrations during seasonal changes between their preferred breeding grounds at higher elevations ranges to winter habitats at lower elevations southward from Arizona down into Central America.
To conclude,
The next time you are out hiking in mountainous regions across Western North America keep an eye out for this tiny yet mighty avian species – the Dusky Flycatcher. Their unique habits and beautiful plumage make them a fascinating bird to spot in their natural habitat.
