An Activity Guide About the Songbirds of British Columbia Family TYRANNIDAE: Tyrant Flycatchers

Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) songbird's song FIELD MARKS The Alder and Willow Flycatchers are so similar that they were once considered the same species. The only difference that you can find is in their voices. Approximate length: 13 cm HABITAT They most commonly inhabit shrubs in grasslands adjacent to streams and lake edges. NESTING The nests of the Willow Flycatcher are usually a little neater than its twin. They are often positioned in a vertical or diagonal fork in a branch. The female lays 3-4 pale yellow eggs with brown blotches at the larger end. STATUS Unfortunately, unlike the Alder Flycatcher the population of these flycatchers are declining due to the loss of streamside habitat by the expansion of human habitation.