Nutting’s Flycatcher
At a Glance
In the Southwest, where three very similar species of crested flycatchers are common, a fourth has been found as an accidental stray. Nutting's Flycatcher is extremely difficult to recognize unless its distinctive calls are heard, so it might be overlooked. So far it has been confirmed in our area only a couple of times, in Arizona.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Perching Birds
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Forests and Woodlands, Shrublands, Savannas, and Thickets
Behavior
Flitter, Hovering
Range & Identification
Description
7-7 1/2 “ (18-19 cm). Very similar to Ash-throated Flycatcher, but has slightly brighter yellow on belly. From below, shows different tail pattern, with less dark brown across tips of tail feathers. Voice is best clue.
Size
About the size of a Robin, About the size of a Sparrow
Wing Shape
Rounded
Tail Shape
Notched, Rounded, Square-tipped
Songs and Calls
A sharp “wheep” or “wheek” – the best way to identify this species.
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