This species appears long-tailed and small-headed, with a long thin bill. Upperparts are light gray. Darker wings show two narrow whitish wing bars and short primary projection. The tail is long and squared, with prominent white edges. (All Empidonax flycatchers may show paler outer tail edges, but this is most obvious on Gray Flycatcher). The whitish eye ring does not contrast strongly with the pale face. The lower mandible is pinkish orange with a distinct black tip. The underparts are pale gray with an olive wash across the breast, and a yellowish wash on the belly. This species molts on the wintering grounds, so birds in late summer appear worn and faded. Juvenile is more brownish above with buffy wing bars.

Length: 14 (cm) Wingspan: 24 (cm)

Voice:

Song consists of a rough chivit, interspersed with a high whistled tee-oo. Call is a dry whit.

Habitat:

Sagebrush, pine/juniper woodlands.

Behavior:

This bird's habit of slowly dipping its tail is unique among the Empidonax flycatchers. Rarely uses perches more than 3-4 meters off the ground.

Feeding:

When feeding, makes frequent perch to ground flights in pursuit of insects that are on or near the ground.