|
English
and Scientific names: |
Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii
traillii)
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
2 adult males (possibly 3; a silent female) |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Bossier Parish |
|
Specific
Locality: |
Cane’s Landing at terminus of Colquitt Ln.,
Bossier City |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
12 May 2008 |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
~9:30 AM CDT |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
Devin Bosler Baton Rouge, LA |
|
Other observers
accompanying reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
Justin Bosler, Terry Davis, Jonathan Carpenter |
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
Jeff Trahan, Curt Sorrells, Mac Myers, m. ob. |
|
Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
Clear sky w/ optimal late morning sunlight. Sun angle was relatively high and not a
factor. The flycatchers were fairly
low and backlighting was not a problem. |
|
Optical
equipment: |
Zeiss Victory FL 8x42, Canon ZR830 digital video
camcorder (equipment in excellent condition) |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
ca. 8-10 meters |
|
Duration
of observation: |
~15-20 min. |
|
Habitat:
|
Early successional cottonwood-willow thicket in
low, wet area along the Red River. |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
The flycatchers were observed briefly in flight as
they foraged and subsequently viewed at rest while singing. The two male flycatchers were counter
singing out of view during much of the observation. When in view, usually on an exposed perch, at least a single
male and possibly a silent female were observed fly-catching from mid-upper
canopy in the willow thicket. When at
rest, a delicate tail flicking was noted. |
|
Description: |
A large Empidonax
flycatcher w/ olive-brown upperparts and mostly pale underparts. Dark head contrasting w/ whitish
throat. A distinct peak at rear crown
on otherwise relatively flat
forehead. A slight dusky-olive wash
across the breast and a faint yellow tinge to belly and vent (fresh spring
plumage). Wings much darker than the
rest of upperparts w/ two prominent wing bars and pale tertial edges. Moderate primary projection and broad
tail. Very weakly-defined eye ring. A longish, broad-based bill w/ largely
pale lower mandible. |
|
Voice: |
A harsh, burry ‘fitz-bew’ delivered repeatedly.
Other variations of this song along w/ agitated contact calls also
heard. A strong ‘whit’ note given occasionally. |
|
Similar species: |
Virtually identical to Alder Flycatcher
(ALFL). Only safely and reliably
separated by vocalizations. ALFL’s
song is a harsher, rough ‘rrrree-bee-ah’. Other subtleties in plumage may also
suggest Willow Flycatcher (WIFL), such as less contrast between dark head and
white throat, slightly longer primary projection, and less-defined eye
ring. All other empids can be
eliminated by the larger size, plumage characteristics, moderate primary
projection, and weakly-defined eye ring.
|
|
Photographs or tape recordings
obtained? |
Video obtained by Devin Bosler. Yes, video images attached. |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
Very familiar w/ the Willow/Alder Flycatcher
complex. I have experience with both
species on their breeding grounds in the Northeast (when singing on
territory). Plus, countless
encounters w/ silent and vocal individuals during spring/fall migration. |
|
Identification
aids: |
National Geographic Complete Birds of N.A.
(Alderfer et al. 2005) |
|
This
description is written from: |
notes made during the observation, notes made
after the observation, memory |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
Yes |
|
Reporter:
|
Devin
Bosler
|
|
Date
and time: |
9 July 2008, 4:30 PM EDT |