Colorado is home to a variety of bird species, including several species of flycatchers. Flycatchers are small passerine birds that get their name from the way they will dart out from a perch to catch flying insects. There are over 400 species of flycatchers worldwide, with around 15 species that can be found in Colorado.
Flycatchers Found in Colorado
Some of the flycatcher species found in Colorado include:
- Western Wood-Pewee
- Willow Flycatcher
- Hammond’s Flycatcher
- Gray Flycatcher
- Dusky Flycatcher
- Cordilleran Flycatcher
- Western Kingbird
- Eastern Kingbird
- Ash-throated Flycatcher
- Cassin’s Kingbird
- Olive-sided Flycatcher
- Vermilion Flycatcher
- Least Flycatcher
- Black Phoebe
- Say’s Phoebe
Below is more detailed information on some of the most notable flycatcher species found in the state.
Western Wood-Pewee
The Western Wood-Pewee is one of the most common flycatchers found in Colorado. It is a small greyish-olive bird with light wingbars and a pale yellowish belly. These birds breed in open woodlands throughout much of the western half of the state up to elevations of 8,500 feet.
Western Wood-Pewees like to perch on bare branches and fly out to catch insects in mid-air. They make a distinctive “peeer” call. These birds build open cup nests on horizontal tree branches. They migrate south to Mexico and Central America for the winter.
Willow Flycatcher
The Willow Flycatcher is a small flycatcher with olive-brown upperparts, a whitish throat, and pale yellowish underparts. As their name suggests, these birds are often found in willow thickets near wetlands, lakes, and streams. They breed in western Colorado up to elevations of 8,000 feet.
Willow Flycatchers catch flying insects while perched on branches or shrubs. They make a “fitz-bew” call. They build nests in upright forks of shrubs or small trees, often over water. These birds winter from Mexico to northern South America.
Dusky Flycatcher
The Dusky Flycatcher is a medium-sized flycatcher with olive-gray upperparts, darker wings, and pale yellowish underparts. In Colorado, they are found in coniferous forests up to elevations around 10,000 feet.
These birds like to perch high up on bare branches of dead snags. They will fly out to catch insects in mid-air before returning to their perch. Dusky Flycatchers make a descending “wheet” call. They build nests on horizontal branches of trees. They winter in western Mexico and Central America.
Gray Flycatcher
True to its name, the Gray Flycatcher is a drab grayish bird with light wingbars and a pale gray throat and breast. In Colorado, it frequents arid shrublands and piƱon-juniper woodlands in the southwestern part of the state.
Gray Flycatchers sit upright on low perches, flying out to catch insects and immediately returning to the same perch. They have a sharp “whit” call. Their nests are open cups placed in the forks of shrubs or small trees. They winter in western Mexico.
Migration and Habitat
Most flycatcher species are migratory, traveling from their breeding ranges in the United States and Canada to wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, South America, or the Caribbean. The exceptions are a few southern species like the Vermilion Flycatcher and Black Phoebe which may reside year-round in some parts of their range.
Flycatchers occupy diverse habitats depending on the species, including forested areas, woodland edges, shrublands, riparian zones along waterways, and semi-open country. Large expanses of treeless habitat and dense forest interiors are generally avoided.
Diet
As their name suggests, flycatchers feed predominantly on insects, which they capture in mid-air. Some common prey includes flies, bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, moths, crickets, and dragonflies. They may supplement their diet with some berries or seeds.
Flycatchers and Humans
Flycatchers may visit backyards if there are trees or shrubs present. They can be drawn in with features like native plants, flower gardens, birdbaths, and nest boxes. Avoiding pesticides helps maintain the insect prey base these birds rely on.
Overall, flycatchers are declining across North America, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation. Conserving areas of natural habitat both locally and during migration and winter is key to supporting flycatcher populations.
Conclusion
Colorado provides breeding habitat for around 15 species of flycatchers, mostly during the summer months. The Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, and Gray Flycatcher are some of the more common and notable species. Most flycatchers migrate out of the state for winter. They occupy diverse habitats and feed exclusively on insects caught in flight. Maintaining natural areas and reducing pesticide use can help support flycatcher populations.