Birds diurnal

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

A cryptic master of the northern thickets, the Alder Flycatcher is a testament to the subtle beauty of the wetlands. Often heard before it’s seen, this energetic insectivore brings a lively rhythm to brushy backyards with its distinctive 'free-beer' song.

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Quick Identification

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Size

13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) long | 23 cm (9.1 in) wingspan | 12–14 g (0.4–0.5 oz)

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Colors

Dull olive-green to brownish-olive upperparts, whitish throat, pale yellow wash on the belly, and two whitish or buffy wing bars.

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Key Features

Dull olive-green upperparts with two prominent white wing bars
Narrow, indistinct white eye-ring
Small, sharp bill with a pinkish-orange lower mandible
Frequently pumps its tail while perched

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM and 4-7 PM

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Season May-August

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Diet Primarily insectivorous; catches flies, wasps, beetles, and bees mid-air or gleans them from foliage. Occasionally eats small berries during migration.

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Habitat Wet thickets, alder swamps, willow bogs, and brushy edges near streams or ponds.

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Behavior

The Alder Flycatcher is a master of the 'perch and pounce' technique. It spends much of its day sitting on exposed twigs or within dense thickets, waiting for a flying insect to pass by before darting out to snatch it mid-air with an audible snap of its bill. Unlike some bolder backyard birds, these flycatchers are relatively shy and prefer staying within the cover of moist, brushy vegetation, making them a rewarding challenge for wildlife observers.

They are solitary during the breeding season and are highly territorial, often defending their patch of alder or willow thicket with persistent vocalizations. While they aren't common at bird feeders, their presence is often announced by their distinctive, buzzy 'free-beer' song. As long-distance migrants, they travel thousands of miles each year to winter in the South American tropics, returning to northern wetlands just as the insect populations begin to boom in late spring.

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Camera Tips

To capture high-quality footage of an Alder Flycatcher on your AI camera, you must focus on 'edge' habitats where dense brush meets open space or water. Position your camera about 4 to 6 feet off the ground, aiming it toward prominent, exposed perches like dead twigs or the tips of alder branches that extend beyond the main foliage. These birds love 'sentinel' perches where they have a clear 360-degree view of passing insects. Because their fly-catching maneuvers are lightning-fast, setting your camera to its highest possible frame rate or shutter speed is crucial to avoid motion blur during their acrobatic 'sallies.'

Since these flycatchers are attracted to water but rarely use traditional bird feeders, placing your camera near a misting feature or a bubbling birdbath located close to thick cover is an excellent strategy. The sound of moving water is a powerful magnet for insectivores during the heat of the day. Ensure your camera's exposure settings are optimized for morning light, as the first two hours after sunrise are when they are most vocal and mobile, providing the best opportunity for clear, well-lit captures before they retreat into the shadows of the thicket.

During the peak of the breeding season in June and July, Alder Flycatchers are highly focused on their nesting sites. If you identify a thicket where they are frequently singing, place your camera nearby—maintaining a respectful distance of at least 15 feet to avoid disturbing them. Use a 'burst mode' setting to capture the rapid entry and exit from the brush as they bring food to their young. Avoid using any artificial lures; instead, focus on maintaining a pesticide-free yard that supports a healthy population of native flies and beetles, which serves as the ultimate natural bait for this species.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Alder Flycatcher.

Willow Flycatcher

Nearly identical in looks; distinguished by its 'fitz-bew' song and preference for slightly drier shrubland.

Least Flycatcher

Smaller with a much bolder, more complete white eye-ring and a sharp 'che-bek' call.

Eastern Phoebe

Larger with a darker head, no wing bars, and a habit of frequently wagging its tail downward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alder Flycatchers are most active during the early morning hours, from sunrise until about 10 AM, and again in the late afternoon before sunset. This is when they are most likely to be singing and actively foraging for insects.

You can attract them by maintaining 'wild' areas with native shrubs like alders, willows, or dogwoods, and providing a moving water source. Avoiding pesticides is vital, as they rely entirely on a healthy insect population for food.

Their diet consists almost entirely of flying insects, including flies, bees, wasps, and beetles. They are known for 'hawking' insects, which involves flying out from a perch to catch prey mid-air.

They are common only in suburban areas that feature wet meadows, overgrown fields, or streamside thickets. They generally avoid manicured lawns and prefer the dense, brushy edges of a property.

The most reliable way to distinguish them is by their song: the Alder Flycatcher says 'free-beer' while the Willow Flycatcher says 'fitz-bew.' Visually, they are nearly identical, though Alders typically prefer wetter habitats.

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