Olive-sided Flycatcher

Olive-sided Flycatcher

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

A distinctive large flycatcher of the boreal and western coniferous forests, the Olive-sided Flycatcher gives its "quick-three-beers" song from the tops of tall snags. It makes dashing flights from its high perch to catch flying insects, then returns to the same perch.

Description

• Large, stocky flycatcher.
• Large head.
• Relatively short tail.
• White center of breast contrasts sharply with gray sides, giving a vested appearance.

• Size: 18-20 cm (7-8 in)
• Weight: 32-37 g (1.13-1.31 ounces)

Sex Differences

Sexes alike, but male slightly larger.

Sound

Song a three-note whistled "quick-THREE-BEERS." Call is three evenly spaced "pip" notes.

Conservation Status

Has declined seriously throughout much of its range. Loss of wintering habitat may be to blame.

Other Names

Moucherolle à côtés olive (French)
Pibí boreal (Spanish)

Cool Facts

• The Olive-sided Flycatcher is frequently associated with burned forests. The opened area and the abundant snags may help it to catch flying insects.

• When flushed off the nest during incubation, the female often drops down toward ground without beating her wings.

• Defends its nest aggressively. A pair was observed to knock a red squirrel off a nest limb and chase it away.

Sources used to construct this page:

Altman, B., and R. Sallabanks. 2000. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi). In The Birds of North America, No. 502 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.