Hammond's Flycatcher

Hammond's Flycatcher, Channel Islands, CA; April.

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1. Description
2. Sound
3. Conservation Status
4. Other Names
5. Cool Facts
6. Full detailed species account

A small and unassuming flycatcher of western North America, Hammond's Flycatcher breeds in mature coniferous forests. Hammond's Flycatcher looks very similar to Gray and Dusky flycatchers; all three species overlap in range, but differ in voice and habitat.

Description

• Small flycatcher.
• Prominent eyering and wingbars.
• Back grayish.

• Size: 12-14 cm (5-6 in)
• Wingspan: 22 cm (9 in)
• Weight: 8-12 g (0.28-0.42 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes alike.

Sound

Song has three distinct elements: a dry, abrupt two-syllable phrase; a low burry note; and a longer, rough two-syllable phrase. Various call notes, including a sharp pip.

Conservation Status

Populations appear stable or increasing. The species' preference for mature forests suggests that logging of old-growth forests may pose an eventual threat.

Other Names

Moucherolle de Hammond (French)
Mosquerito passajero (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• Early in the breeding season male Hammond's Flycatchers fight so vigorously defending their territories that they often become locked together in midair, fluttering to the ground.
• The Hammond's Flycatcher pulls wings off moths before consuming their bodies.

Sources used to construct this page:

Sedgwick, J. A. 1994. Hammond's Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii). In The Birds of North America, No. 109 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.