Empidonax affinis
The Pine Flycatcher (Empidonax affinis) is a diminutive and often understated member of the Tyrannidae family, characteristic of Mexico's highland pine forests. Measuring approximately 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches) in length with a wingspan of 19-21 cm (7.5-8.3 inches) and weighing 9-12 grams, it sports a generally olive-gray to greenish-olive back, a pale whitish throat, and a subtle yellowish wash on the flanks and vent. Its most distinct field marks include a prominent white eye-ring, two buff...
This species predominantly inhabits montane pine, pine-oak, and fir forests, favoring open understories and forest edges. It thrives at elevations generally between 1,500 to 3,500 meters (4,900-11,500 feet) above sea level.
The diet of the Pine Flycatcher consists almost exclusively of small to medium-sized insects, including flies, wasps, beetles, moths, and caterpillars. It primarily forages by aerial hawking and gleaning from foliage.
Pine Flycatchers are diurnal insectivores, typically observed perching watchfully on exposed branches within the forest canopy or mid-story. Their foraging strategy primarily involves making short, acrobatic sallies to snatch flying insects (aerial hawking) or gleaning prey directly from foliage ...
The Pine Flycatcher is largely endemic to the highlands of Mexico, with its primary breeding and resident range extending from southeastern Sonora and southwestern Chihuahua southwards through the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Sierra Madre Oriental, and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt to Oaxaca, a...
Least Concern
- The Pine Flycatcher is one of the few *Empidonax* species that is largely resident, undertaking only altitudinal migrations rather than long-distance intercontinental journeys. - It is a quintessential member of the "Empidonax complex," a group of highly similar flycatchers notorious for challe...