Empidonax minimus
The Least Flycatcher, Empidonax minimus, is a quintessential small, active songbird of the New World, embodying the challenging yet rewarding identification typical of its genus. Averaging 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 in) in length, with a wingspan of 19-22 cm (7.5-8.7 in) and weighing a mere 8-12 grams, it is indeed one of the smallest flycatchers. Its plumage is a drab olive-gray above, with a lighter, often yellowish wash on the flanks and undertail coverts, and a whitish belly, accented by two promi...
This species primarily inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, favoring forest edges, clearings, and young successional forests, often at lower to mid-elevations.
Primarily insectivorous, consuming a wide variety of small flying insects, spiders, and occasionally berries, captured through sallying and gleaning techniques.
Least Flycatchers are diurnal and intensely active aerial insectivores, spending their days sallying from exposed perches to snatch insects in mid-air or glean them from foliage. Males are fiercely territorial during the breeding season, establishing a home range of 1-3 acres, which they defend w...
The Least Flycatcher's breeding range spans a vast swath of northern North America, extending across Canada from British Columbia eastward to Newfoundland and Labrador, and southward into the northern United States. In the U.S., it breeds throughout New England, the Great Lakes states (e.g., Mich...
Least Concern
- The Least Flycatcher's distinctive 'che-bek' song is often the only reliable way to distinguish it from other visually similar Empidonax flycatchers in the field. - Despite its name, it's not the absolute smallest flycatcher in North America, but it is among the smallest Empidonax species. - It...