H2: Basic Description
The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a small bird that belongs to the tyrant flycatcher family. Adults measure about 12 cm in length and weigh around 9 grams. This bird has olive-green upperparts, yellow underparts, and a distinct white eye-ring that stands out against its dark head.
H2: Where To Find This Bird
During breeding season, the Yellow-bellied Flycatcher can be found across northern portions of the United States and Canada. In winter months, they migrate southward to Central America and parts of South America.
H2: Habitat
Yellow-bellied Flycatchers prefer coniferous forests for their breeding habitat. They are most commonly found in spruce-fir forests but can also be seen in mixed woods or deciduous forests during migration periods.
H2: Food
As their name suggests, this species feeds primarily on flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes that it catches mid-air while perched on a branch or flying through foliage. Occasionally they will eat larger prey like caterpillars or beetles.
H2: Cool Facts
– The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher sings only one note at a time which makes them fairly easy to identify by sound.
– These birds are known to occasionally breed with other members of the Empidonax genus producing hybrid offspring.
– While most birds incubate their eggs between 11 – 14 days before hatching occurs, the eggs of Yellow-bellied Flycatchers typically take closer to two weeks.
In conclusion, although it’s not one of those birds you see frequently when taking nature walks since it prefers dense forest habitats; still we should appreciate these little avian creatures with soft voices who help keep pesky bugs away thanks to their unique feeding habits!
