Tyrant Flycatchers in the United States
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Approximately thirty five Tyrannidae species migrate to and from the United States on a yearly basis, almost one-thrid belonging to the genus Empidonax. Empidonax are small to medium sized forest birds, having brown or olive coloration that helps them blend into their environment. In areas hosting multiple Empidonax species, identifying any one species can be challenging.
Flycatcher colors tend to move from drab to bold in Southern climates. The male Vermilion Flycatcher, for example, is a very striking red and black bird that inhabits the desert South West and southern Texas.
Known primarily as perching birds, they tend to sit on tree branches, scanning for insects in their territory, and fly out in short bursts capturing them for consumption.
Professionals and birding enthusiasts keep track of flycatcher population numbers as a tool for gauging riparian forest ecosystem health throughout the country. The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher is a subspecies listed on the U.S. Endangered Species list. There are plans in place to restore the riparian habitat in its range.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Guam broadbill, a small flycatcher from the island, was removed from the Endangered Species list in 2004 and is now considered extinct.
The links in the box point to articles covering a small sample of native flycatchers, covering five different genera: Contopus; Empidonax; Myiarchus; Pitangus; Sayornis.
© 2006-2009 Patricia A. Michaels