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. | ||
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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.
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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
