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Dusky Flycatcher

ID Info
  • Dusky Flycatcher
  • Dusky Flycatcher
  • Dusky Flycatcher  video
Silhouette FlycatchersFlycatchers
Dusky FlycatcherEmpidonax oberholseri
  • ORDER: Passeriformes
  • FAMILY: Tyrannidae

Basic Description

In mountains and foothills of western North America, Dusky Flycatchers are unobtrusive little songbirds of open coniferous woodlands, aspen groves, chaparral, and scrubby or streamside thickets. Olive-gray above, with a bold eyering and two wingbars, Dusky wears the classic markings of an Empidonax flycatcher and can be hard to distinguish from other species. Dusky Flycatchers forage for flying insects but stay fairly low in the vegetation, frequently giving a short, sharp wit call.

More ID Info
image of range map for Dusky Flycatcher
Year-roundBreedingMigrationNonbreeding
Range map provided by Birds of the World
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Find This Bird

Finding just the right brushy habitat for Dusky Flycatchers can take some trial and error. Listen for singing males in late May to early June, and be familiar with the subtle differences between Dusky and Hammond’s Flycatcher songs. Hammond’s tends to use higher perches in mature forests, but can sometimes be found right next to Dusky’s shrubbier habitats. Dusky Flycatchers often have favorite perches for hunting, but these are sometimes obscured by vegetation, so be prepared to listen and look carefully.

Other Names

  • Mosquero Oscuro (Spanish)
  • Moucherolle sombre (French)
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