This species is heavy-billed and long-winged compared to most other Empidonax flycatchers. Upperparts are bright olive green. The dusky-green to blackish wings show two wing bars (whitish in spring, buffy in autumn) and very long primary projection. The complete eye ring is thin and yellowish. The throat is white (sometimes pale yellowish) and does not sharply contrast with the green face. The breast is generally paler and more extensively gray than in other Empids, while the belly is washed pale yellow. The bill is long and broad, with a completely yellow lower mandible. This species molts on the breeding grounds, so birds can appear very worn and faded in mid-summer, but show fresh plumage in autumn migration.

Length: 15 (cm) Wingspan: 22 (cm)

Voice:

Song is an explosive PEET-SEEA. Call is a strong Peek.

Habitat:

Mature forest, often near water.

Behavior:

Not hyperactive like other small flycatchers. Often perches with wings drooped. Nests are almost always located directly above small streams.

Feeding:

Hunts from perch. Flies out to capture insects, often on the underside of leaves.