Empidonax virescens
The Acadian Flycatcher, *Empidonax virescens*, is a subtle yet acoustically distinctive member of the tyrant flycatcher family (Tyrannidae), easily recognized by its explosive "PZZA!" song. Averaging 13-14 cm (5-5.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 17-21 cm (6.7-8.3 in) and weighing 11-13 g (0.4-0.5 oz), this small passerine sports an olive-green back, a pale whitish throat, and a yellowish wash on its flanks and belly. Key field marks include a prominent, often teardrop-shaped white eye-ring...
Found primarily in mature, moist deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, often near streams, swamps, or ravines at low to moderate elevations.
Feeds almost exclusively on insects, including moths, flies, beetles, and wasps, captured primarily through sally-gleaning from foliage and air.
Acadian Flycatchers are diurnal birds, typically perching quietly in the mid-story canopy, making short, energetic sallies to capture flying insects. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, vigorously defending their space with their distinctive song and occasional aggressive cha...
The breeding range of the Acadian Flycatcher encompasses a vast swath of eastern North America, stretching from southern New England and the Great Lakes region south through the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states to northern Florida. Its western limit extends through eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Ka...
Least Concern
- The Acadian Flycatcher's nest is often described as a 'hammock' due to its pendulous, cup-shaped structure woven with fine grasses and spider silk, suspended like a sling from a forked branch. - Despite its name, which often evokes images of Acadia National Park, its breeding range extends far ...