Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 5.5–6.7 in
14–17 cm - Wingspan
- 7.9–9.1 in
20–23 cm - Weight
- 0.3–0.4 oz
8–12 g
Other Names
- Western Flycatcher (in part)
- Moucherolle côtier (French)
- Mosquero californiano (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- The population of Pacific-slope Flycatcher breeding on the Channel Islands off southern California may actually be best treated as a distinct species. It is larger than mainland populations, has a longer bill, a paler chest, slightly different vocalizations, and differs genetically.
- The scientific name of the Pacific-slope Flycatcher, difficilis, is appropriate. It means "difficult," and this species is extremely difficult to distinguish from the similar Cordilleran Flycatcher.
Habitat
Forest
Warm, humid lowland coniferous forest, pine-oak forest, and dense second-growth woodland.
Food
Insects
Insects.
Nesting
Nest Placement
Cavity
Behavior
Flycatching
Insects caught in the air or gleaned from foliage of trees and shrubs.
Conservation
Least Concern
Populations appear stable or slightly declining.
Credits
- Lowther, P. E. 2000. Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) and Cordilleran Flycatcher (Empidonax occidentalis). In The Birds of North America, No. 556 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.