A medium-sized flycatcher of high-elevation coniferous forests. Populations declining 70%+ since 1966.

Also called: Olive-side

Native status: Native; near threatened

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in); wingspan 33 cm
Weight30–35 g
LifespanWild typically 7+ years
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyTyrannidae

§ Encyclopedia

The olive-sided flycatcher is a small to medium sized passerine bird in the family Tyrannidae, the tyrant flycatcher family. It is a migratory species that travels from South America to North America to breed during the summer. It is an agile flyer and mainly consumes flying insects caught in flight. Since 2016, this species has been assessed as being near-threatened globally (IUCN) and threatened in Canada (SRA) due to its declining populations.

Source: Wikipedia — Olive-sided flycatcher Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium chunky flycatcher: dark olive-brown sides contrasting with white center of breast (looks like an unbuttoned vest); large pointed head and short tail.

Similar species. Eastern Wood-Pewee (smaller, no vest pattern). Western Wood-Pewee (similar pattern, much smaller). Greater Pewee (paler underneath, mostly Mexico).

Voice. Distinctive "Quick! Three beers!" song carrying long distances from highest perches.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Flying insects — especially bees, wasps, ants, dragonflies — caught in mid-air from tall perches.

Behavior. Declined ~78% since 1970 — one of the steepest declines of any North American bird. Breeds in boreal forests and mountain forests of western US, especially in burned or beetle-killed stands with abundant snags for perching. Migrates 11,000+ km to Andean cloud forests of South America — among the longest flycatcher migrations.

§ Range

Boreal Canada and mountain US in summer

§ Habitat

Coniferous mountain forests

§ Threats

Boreal forest loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the olive-sided flycatcher is currently classified as Near Threatened.

§ What helps

Support boreal and mountain forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • Boreal Songbird Initiative
  • American Bird Conservancy
  • IUCN Red List 2018