Alder Flycatcher Similar Species Comparison
Similar Species
Willow Flycatcher
Willow Flycatchers are very similar to Alder Flycatchers and are only separable in the field by voice. Willow Flycatchers sing a fitz-bew while Alder Flycatchers sing a burry free beer.
© Michiel Oversteegen | Macaulay LibraryAruba, October 16, 2016Similar Species
Acadian Flycatcher
Acadian Flycatchers have brighter olive-green backs than Alder Flycatchers, which have grayer backs. Note vocal differences.
© Tim Lenz | Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 28, 2013Similar Species
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Eastern Wood-Pewees have longer wings and tails than Alder Flycatchers with a stronger peaked head. Wood-pewees tend to repeatedly return to the same perch high in the canopy, whereas Alders flit around in shrubs.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryOrange Walk, May 11, 2017Similar Species
Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Phoebes have darker heads and much less distinct wingbars than Alder Flycatchers. Eastern Phoebes also habitually bob their tails when perched.
© Epi Shemming | Macaulay LibraryOntario, May 22, 2017Similar Species
Least Flycatcher
Least Flycatchers are smaller than Alder Flycatchers with a smaller bill and a more obvious eyering.
© Kyle Blaney | Macaulay LibraryOntario, August 26, 2015Main Species
Alder Flycatcher
Small flycatcher with a round head. Greenish olive above with 2 pale wingbars and a thin white eyering that is often difficult to see. Note white throat.
© Simon Best | Macaulay LibraryPrince Edward Island, June 19, 2018Greenish olive above with 2 pale wingbars and a thin white eyering, clearly visible on this individual.
© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, June 04, 2011Song (audible in background) is a buzzy "free beer" or "fee-bee-o," somewhat similar to Eastern Phoebe.
© Eric Liner | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 21, 2007Not all videos have sound
Small flycatcher with a round head. Greenish olive above with 2 pale wingbars and a thin white eyering that is often difficult to see. Note white throat.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryAlaska, June 25, 2019From the front the white throat stands out against the gray chest band. Sometimes raises crown feathers. Eyering is very thin and sometimes not visible.
© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryVermont, July 12, 2020Breeds in shrubby wetlands or wet thickets with alders. Extremely similar to Willow Flycatcher; song is the most reliable "field mark."
© Luke Seitz | Macaulay LibraryMaine, May 20, 2012Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
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Species in This Family
Tyrant Flycatchers(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Tyrannidae)
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