Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

OrderPasseriformes

FamilyTyrannidae

HabitatWillow and brush thickets, usually near water

SeasonMigrant through Texas; breeds across the northern US

LocationDevine Lake Park, Leander, Texas, Williamson County, Texas

Size5.1-6.7 inches

DietInsects caught in short flights and gleaned from foliage

ConservationLeast Concern (IUCN); southwestern subsp

CameraNikon Z9Lens800mmAperturef/8Shutter1/1600ISO11400

Willow Flycatcher caught giving its sneezy fitz-bew at Devine Lake Park.

About the Willow Flycatcher

The Willow Flycatcher is one of the infamous Empidonax flycatchers, a group so uniform that even museum specimens cause arguments. Brownish olive above and pale below with a weak eyering, it is best identified the honest way: by voice. Its sneezy FITZ-bew ends the debate instantly.

It migrates through Texas between wintering grounds in the tropics and brushy breeding territories across the northern United States. The endangered southwestern subspecies is a major conservation flagship along desert rivers.

This bird was photographed at Devine Lake Park in Leander during May migration, obligingly giving its sneezy fitz-bew from the willows.

Want to see a Willow Flycatcher in the wild?
Join one of my guided birding tours! Fine art prints of my photos are also available.

VIEW TOURS