ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Acadian Flycatcher

 Acadian Flycatcher

Acadian Flycatcher
Photo by Todd Fink/Daybreak Imagery		 Flycatchers are stocky birds with large heads and big mouths. Their bills are broad and flattened. They fly out from usually exposed perches to capture insects on the wing and then return to the perch to eat. Wing bars and eye rings are important identifying characteristics; in some species, the song must be heard for positive identification.

The Acadian flycatcher is a neotropical migrant and summer resident in Ohio. Along riparian corridors, such as the Big Darby Creek State Scenic River in Ohio, Acadian flycatchers are one of the best indicator species of riparian quality.

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Acadian Flycatcher
Empidonax virescens

At-a-Glance

• Peak Breeding Activity: April-July

• Nest Construction: May-June

• Young Hatch: May-June; they are altricial, and require their parents' care

• Number of Eggs: 3-4

• Eggs Produced: 2 broods in a year are typical

• Migration Patterns: Seasonal resident. Peak of the migration south is in August and September.
Description
The Acadian flycatcher ranges in size, from 5 to 6 inches tall. The body is generally an olive-green color on top and whitish-yellow underneath. Acadian flycatchers are identified primarily by their distinctive call - a loud, explosive Peet-sa!

Habitat and Habits
The Acadian flycatcher 's preferred habitat is the understory of moist, mature forests. This songbird is often found along streams, but it also occurs on drier sites. It is most abundant in the heavily forested areas of eastern Ohio.

This species avoids edge habitats and will not be found in woods less than 25-30 acres in extent.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Breeding pairs exhibit a decided preference for the interiors of extensive woodlands. The nests are normally placed at heights of 10-20 feet, suspended from the outer limbs of saplings overhanging small streams or ravines. Most clutches are laid during June, with the young hatching by the last week of the month. The young usually fledge in July. Renesting attempts or second broods can produce nests with eggs into the first half of July.