Least Flycatcher -- South Dakota Birds

Length: 5.25 inches Wingspan: 8 inches Seasonality: Summer/Migrant
ID Keys: Grayish above, lighter below, white throat, pale yellow undertail coverts.  See note below regarding Empidonax flycatchers.
Least Flycatcher - Empidonax minimus

Least Flycatcher - South Dakota Range Map

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

One of the most common small flycatchers.  It is often seen in the open, singing its repetitive song.  The Least Flycatcher belongs to a group of 11 "Empidonax" flycatchers, all of which are very similar and difficult to separate.  Voice, behavior, and location are often the best clues in differentiating the species.

Habitat: Mixed habitat with trees and open areas, including woodland edges and clearings, residential areas, parks, and orchards.

Diet: Mostly insects, occasionally berries, other fruit, and seeds.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map

Song: Least Flycatcher Song

Migrations: Summer/Migrant

Similar Species: Pick any Empidonax flycatchers (11 species), line them up side-by-side, and you'll still have trouble identifying them.  Is the photo above a Least Flycatcher?  I'm pretty sure it is, based on song, but I'm not the best at ID'ing things by voice.

Status: Possibly in decline.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Least Flycatcher

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Least Flycatcher"

3) E-nature.com: Least Flycatcher

Photo Information: May 26th, 2003 -- Ditch Road in Minnehaha County -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Least Flycatcher photos.

Additional Least Flycatcher Photos

Least Flycatcher - Empidonax minimus

Least Flycatcher - Empidonax minimus

Least Flycatcher 1

Least Flycatcher 2

 

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08