Hammond's Flycatcher
Empidonax hammondii
A tiny titan of the western evergreen forests, the Hammond's Flycatcher is a master of aerial agility. Recognizable by its constant wing-flicks and teardrop eye-ring, this elusive bird is a rewarding find for any backyard observer.
Quick Identification
Size
Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm), Wingspan: 8.3-8.7 in (21-22 cm), Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
Colors
Olive-gray upperparts with a darker head; yellowish wash on the belly; two white or buffy wing bars; distinct white eye-ring often teardrop-shaped.
Key Features
- Almond-shaped white eye-ring
- Small, almost entirely dark bill
- Long wings with significant primary extension
- Frequent, rapid wing and tail flicking
When You’ll See Them
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Behavior
Hammond's Flycatchers are high-energy insectivores known for their acrobatic foraging style. They spend much of their time perched on high, outer branches of coniferous trees, from which they 'sally' out to snatch flying insects from the air before returning to the same spot. They are highly active birds, rarely staying still for long, and are characterized by a nervous habit of flicking their wings and tail upward while perched.
While they are generally solitary and territorial during the breeding season, they can occasionally be seen in mixed-species flocks during migration. They are not particularly shy around humans, but because they prefer the upper canopy of mature forests, they can be difficult to observe without binoculars or a well-placed camera. Their vocalizations are sharp and buzzy, often serving as the first clue to their presence in the dense evergreen shadows.
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Camera Tips
Capturing a Hammond's Flycatcher on camera requires strategy because of their preference for high-altitude perches. The most effective way to bring them within camera range is through the use of water. These birds are highly attracted to the sound of moving water for bathing and drinking, especially during the heat of mid-summer. Set up your camera near a birdbath equipped with a 'dripper' or a small backyard waterfall. Position the camera at a low angle, roughly 3 feet away from the water's edge, to capture the intricate details of their eye-rings and wing bars.
Because these flycatchers move with lightning speed, shutter speed is your most important setting. If your camera allows for manual adjustments, aim for 1/1000th of a second or faster to freeze their wing-flicking motion. If you are using a trigger-based trail camera, ensure the sensitivity is set to high and use a multi-shot burst mode. This increases your chances of getting at least one clear frame amidst their constant twitching and rapid flight paths.
During migration in late spring and early fall, these birds are more likely to forage at lower levels. Look for dead, exposed branches that extend out from the foliage—these are favorite 'scout posts' for flycatchers. Mounting a camera on a nearby tree trunk aimed at one of these bare branches can yield excellent profile shots. Since they are small and blend in with the shadows, try to position your setup so the perch is backlit by the morning sun, which will help highlight the bird's silhouette and distinctive 'peak' on the back of its head.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Hammond's Flycatcher.
Dusky Flycatcher
The Dusky has a longer bill with a pale base and shorter wings than the Hammond's.
Pacific-slope Flycatcher
Noticeably more yellow/olive overall with a more distinct, almond-shaped eye-ring that points toward the back.
Gray Flycatcher
The Gray Flycatcher is paler and has a unique habit of pumping its tail downward, whereas Hammond's flicks its tail upward.
Frequently Asked Questions
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