
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.
Field Notes
Expanded Life History
Feed Ecology And Diet | Contribute Content |
Nesting Habits | Contribute Content |
Migration Status | Contribute Content |
Conservation Status | Contribute Content |
Local Sites to Spot | Contribute Content |
Abundance Status | Contribute Content |
Adult Male Description | Contribute Content |
Adult Female Description | Contribute Content |
ITIS Taxonomic Number | Contribute Content |
Sonogram | Contribute Content |
Courtship | Contribute Content |
Reproductive Characteristics | Contribute Content |
Relationship to Humans | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Size & Shape | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Color & Pattern | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Habitat | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Behavior | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Wingspan | Contribute Content |
ID Tips - Weight | Contribute Content |
Breeding | Contribute Content |
Cool Facts | Contribute Content |
Local Knowledge | Contribute Content |
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Sightings
Date | Submitted By | Count |
---|---|---|
05/31/14 | Bob Archer | 6 |
05/10/14 | Bob Archer | 3 |
06/14/13 | Adrian Hinkle, OR | 6 |
06/14/13 | Adrian Hinkle, OR | 1 |
06/14/13 | Christopher Hinkle, OR | # |
06/08/13 | Karen Chaivoe | # |
05/28/13 | dawn villaescusa, OR | # |
05/27/13 | dawn villaescusa, OR | # |
11/04/12 | Sundee Meyer | # |
05/24/12 | Bob Archer | # |
05/28/12 | Dave Irons, OR | 2 |
12/26/11 | Joe Blowers, OR | # |
06/04/11 | Christopher Hinkle, OR | 2 |
05/30/10 | Adrian Hinkle, OR | 5 |
03/21/05 | robbie wheeling | 0 |
Recent Activity
Activity | Date & Time |
---|---|
Dave Irons answered a question for the Gray Flycatcher | 6/16/2013 at 11:23AM |
Robert Wilson asked a question for the Gray Flycatcher | 6/15/2013 at 1:55PM |
Sundee Meyer added Gray Flycatcher to their Backyard smart list | 11/04/2012 at 11:55AM |