Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

All fifteen small flycatchers in the genus Empidonax look so much alike we once believed them to be a single species. With closer observations over time, observers noticed slight differences in wing length, the eye-ring, in choice of habitat, breeding range, their voices, bill color and other features. The Acadian Flycatcher is one such species that we must now puzzle out to identify in the field. As with the other birds in this genus, mistaken IDs are commonplace.

This member of the flycatcher clan spends winters in Central America and northern South America. When spring approaches, they migrate north to find summer homes in the deciduous forests of eastern USA to raise families.

Currently, science does not recognise any subspecies of Acadian Flycatcher (i.e. they are monotypic).

The flying skills possessed by these birds are exceptional. Flying backwards is among its many aerial talents.

To date, my only meetings with this species were with birds migrating north through Texas at South Padre Island.

.

.

.