Willow Flycatcher Similar Species Comparison
Similar Species
Alder Flycatcher
Adult/immature
Alder Flycatchers are very similar to Willow Flycatchers and can only be separated in the field by voice. The Alder Flycatcher sings a burry free beer while the Willow Flycatcher sings a fitz-bew.
© Luke Seitz | Macaulay LibraryMaine, May 20, 2012Similar Species
Acadian Flycatcher
Adult/immature
Acadian Flycatchers are brighter green above with a pale yellowish eyering that Willow Flycatchers lack. Acadian Flycatchers nest in Eastern forests while Willow Flycatchers nest in shrubby, often wet areas.
© Tim Lenz | Macaulay LibraryTexas, April 28, 2013Similar Species
Dusky Flycatcher
Adult/immature
Dusky Flycatchers have a much stronger white eyering and a narrower bill than Willow Flycatchers. Dusky Flycatchers sing a bean-dip while Willow Flycatchers sing fitz-bew.
© Matt Davis | Macaulay LibraryNevada, June 07, 2016Similar Species
Western Wood-Pewee
Adult/immature
Western Wood-Pewees have longer wings and tails than Willow Flycatchers with a stronger peaked head. Wood-pewees tend to repeatedly return to the same perch high in the canopy, whereas Willows flit around in shrubs.
© Brian Hoffe | Macaulay LibraryAlberta, June 19, 2017Similar Species
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Adult/immature
Eastern Wood-Pewees have longer wings and tails than Willow Flycatchers with a stronger peaked head. Wood-pewees tend to repeatedly return to the same perch high in the canopy, whereas Willows flit around in shrubs.
© Brian Sullivan | Macaulay LibraryOrange Walk, May 11, 2017Similar Species
Eastern Phoebe
Adult/immature
Eastern Phoebes have darker heads and much less distinct wingbars than Willow Flycatchers. Eastern Phoebes also habitually bob their tails when perched.
© Epi Shemming | Macaulay LibraryOntario, May 22, 2017Main Species
Willow Flycatcher
Small, slender flycatcher. Brownish olive overall with a slight yellow wash to the belly. It has two whitish wingbars and a white throat that contrasts with the brownish olive breast.
© Ryan Schain | Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, June 01, 2018The white throat contrasts with the gray chest band. The eyering is very narrow or nonexistent.
© mark daly | Macaulay LibraryBritish Columbia, July 11, 2020Gives a soft, dry whit often from exposed perches.
© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 01, 2004Not all videos have sound
© Daniel Irons | Macaulay LibraryMaryland, May 15, 2017
© Darren Clark | Macaulay LibraryIdaho, June 18, 2020
Brownish olive overall with a slight yellow wash to the belly (can be brighter, especially on birds in fresh plumage). Best identified by voice.
© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryNew York, May 01, 2004Not all videos have sound
Individuals breeding the the Southwest often paler than those in the East and Pacific Northwest.
© Bob Nieman | Macaulay LibraryNew Mexico, August 20, 2016© Darren Clark | Macaulay LibraryIdaho, June 18, 2020
Its hoarse fitz-bew given from high perches is the best way to identify Willow Flycathers
© Timothy Barksdale | Macaulay LibraryWashington, June 05, 1995Not all videos have sound
Perches upright and often sings from the tops of bushes. Song is the best way to identify it.
© Adam Brandemihl | Macaulay LibraryOhio, May 23, 2017Rotate Your Device to Better Compare
Compare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Tyrant Flycatchers(Order: Passeriformes, Family: Tyrannidae)
Need Bird ID Help? Try Merlin
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.