This Empidonax flycatcher is about the size of a junco, and looks very similar to all our other Empidonax flycatchers. This bird’s range barely extends into Canada, where it is only found in the Okanagan of B.C. It migrates south to Mexico. There is only one record of this species, an amazing sighting in the middle of November.

Similar species:
Gray Flycatchers are very similar to its cousins, Dusky, Least, and Hammond’s Flycatchers. One of the best ways to identify a Gray Flycatcher is its habit of dipping its tail downwards (see video below). The other flycatchers do not exhibit this behavior, but some can give a weak dip of their tails. Another good clue is the long, almost black bill, giving it the appearance of being dipped in ink. Like Dusky, Least, and Willow Flycatchers, its call note is a soft ‘whit’ (see eBird recording below).

Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, 1988
Sibley, D. 2014

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