An annual migrant in the spring recorded mostly from the Abbotsford/Chilliwack border east. Has bred in the checklist area. Tends to prefer more open areas with low trees and shrubs but may be found in many habitats during migration. Migrates south to Mexico.
Similar species:
While all Empidonax flycatchers are quite similar, Hammond’s, Least and the yet to be detected in our checklist area Grey Flycatcher are the most similar. Hammond’s migrates in the spring with similar timing and is usually a contender in figuring out what flycatcher you are looking at. Hammond’s Flycatcher is larger headed, shorter and darker billed (from underneath) and with a longer primary projection making it appear shorter tailed. See photos below. Voice is very reliable between the two with Dusky’s call note being a soft “Whit!” (similar to Least and Willow Flycatchers) and Hammond’s call note an enthusiastic “Peek!”. See video below.
Sources:
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, (1988)
Noteworthy Data
Date | Location | Source(s) | Comments |
| 29-Apr-2012 | Vedder Canal Dyke, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | One feeding in willows downstream of Keith Wilson Road Bridge. |
| 25-Apr-2012 | Hope Airport, Hope | G. Gadsden | Two along Airport Road. Earliest record. |
| 10-Aug-2011 | Hope Airport, Hope | D. Beeke, T. Beeke | One bird. Latest record. |
| 04-Jun-2011 | Bear Mountain, Harrison Hot Springs | D. Beeke | One bird. Possible breeding. |
| 30-May-2011 | Cheam Lake Wetlands, Popkum | G. Gadsden | Feeding near beaver pond. |
| 27-May-2011 | Hope Airport, Hope | D. Beeke, C. McDonald | One individual. |
| 26-Jun-2010 | Skagit Valley Provincial Park | D. Beeke, G. Gadsden | On nest along Silver Skagit Road. Observed feeding four young June 30, 2010. First confirmed breeding record for the species. |
| 08-May-2010 | Tuyteens Road, Agassiz | K. R. Jones | One bird calling. |
| 30-May-2009 | Sowaqua Creek Road, Coquihalla | G. Gadsden | Male singing in recently logged forest habitat. On territory? |
| 06-May-2008 | Island 22 Regional Park, Chilliwack | G. Gadsden | One individual feeding from the top of blackberry bushes. |
| 02-May-2006 | Neilson Regional Park, Mission | G. Gadsden | One in willows along Draper Creek. |
Photos
