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ODNR Division of Wildlife - Fishing - Trout Stockings
ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Alder Flycatcher

 Alder Flycatcher

Alder Flycatcher
Photo by Jim McCormac		 The alder flycatcher was not offically recognized as a species until 1973; prior to that it was lumped with the willow flycatcher under the name "Traill's flycatcher." These two species remain among the very few birds that cannot be told apart visually; one must hear their vocalizations to be certain. Fortunately, with a bit of practice, that isn't too hard.

 


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Alder Flycatcher
Empidonax alnorum

At-a-Glance

• Incubation: 12-13 days

• Clutch Size: 3-4 eggs

• Young Fledge: 13-14 days after hatching

• Typical Foods: mostly insects; some fruit
Description
The alder flycatcher is a plain little bird that is dull green in color with a whitish belly. It has a light eye ring and two whitish wing bars. By sight, it is indistinguishable from the willow flycatcher but can be identified by voice and breeding habitat.

Habitat and Habits
Alder flycatchers inhabit wet thickets and damp, brushy fields. They prefer wetter haunts than the willow flycatcher, and they are often found in high quality wetlands, such as fens. Alders give an explosive upslurred three-beers! as their song, and the call is a flat peep, which is slightly suggestive of the call note of the olive-sided flycatcher.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The nest is a loose cup of grass with little or no plant down, and is placed in a low bush or sapling.