Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 7.1–7.9 in
18–20 cm - Weight
- 1.1–1.3 oz
32–37 g
Other Names
- Moucherolle à côtés olive (French)
- Pibí boreal (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The Olive-sided Flycatcher is frequently associated with burned forests. The opened area and the abundant snags may help it to catch flying insects.
- When flushed off the nest during incubation, the female often drops down toward ground without beating her wings.
- Defends its nest aggressively. A pair was observed to knock a red squirrel off a nest limb and chase it away.
Habitat
Open Woodland
- Breeds in montane and northern coniferous forests, at forest edges and openings, such as meadows and ponds.
- Winters at forest edges and clearings where tall trees or snags are present.
Food
Insects
Flying insects, especially bees.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 2–5 eggs
- Egg Description
- Creamy white or buff with ring of brownish spots on large end.
- Condition at Hatching
- Hatch naked and helpless.
Nest Description
Nest is an open cup of twigs, rootlets, and lichens, placed out near tip of horizontal branch of a tree.
Nest Placement
Tree
Behavior
Flycatching
Sallies out from top of tall tree or snag to catch flying insect, and frequently returns to the same perch. Beats large prey on perch.
Conservation
Near Threatened
Has declined seriously throughout much of its range. Loss of wintering habitat may be to blame.
Credits
- Altman, B., and R. Sallabanks. 2000. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi). In The Birds of North America, No. 502 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.