Willow flycatcher

The willow flycatcher gets its name because of its fondness for associating with shrub-like plants that exist in the understory of larger trees.  Although I associate the term willow with those huge, broad deciduous trees that may grow up to 50 feet (100 feet for the white willow), there is also the common pussy willow that grows between 2 to 25 feet tall.  In fact, there are over 400 species of willow, and many of them are shrubs rather than giant trees.

Willow flycatchers prefer the open areas around the edges of woodlands, often near bodies of water, and areas of brush.  As flycatchers, they are primarily carnivorous in nature, eating insects on the wing or those that can be gleaned from vegetation while hovering.  I photographed this one along the edge of a lake perching in an area of shrubs.  You can see from the angle that I was at eye level with it, although I was shooting from a mildly elevated position.

I have photographed half a dozen species of flycatchers, but the one I have photographed the most is this one.  They can be found throughout all of the continental United States and the southern parts of the western provinces.  Since they are flycatchers, their northern range is only during breeding season.  They can be found as far south as Brazil.

These are important birds in the control of pests, especially around waterways.  They are not at risk, although the southwest population (Arizona) is endangered because of brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird and habitat loss.  

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com