Living Bird Magazine
Analysis: The Economic Value of Birds
FlycatchersHammond's Flycatcher
Empidonax hammondii- ORDER: Passeriformes
- FAMILY: Tyrannidae
Basic Description
A small, olive-green bird with a prominent eyering and wingbars, the Hammond’s Flycatcher is a bird of mature and old-growth coniferous forests of western North America. Males sing a very short, 3-parted song that can help distinguish this species from other similar Empidonax flycatchers, including the Dusky Flycatcher, which can occur in shrubby habitats adjacent to Hammond’s. Compared to other Empidonax, Hammond’s has a fairly small, dark bill and long wings. In its breeding habitat, Hammond’s often forages and nests rather high in trees.
More ID InfoFind This Bird
Look for Hammond’s Flycatchers in spring and summer in coniferous forests. Voice is important for Empidonax flycatchers, since the species look so similar—pay attention especially to differences with Dusky Flycatchers, the species most likely to be confused with Hammond’s. Identification is especially difficult when an Empidonax remains silent (as they often do during migration)—it can be helpful to take photos in order to study fine details such as bill size and wing length (primary projection).
Other Names
- Mosquero de Hammond (Spanish)
- Moucherolle de Hammond (French)
