Empidonax occidentalis
(Cordilleran Flycatcher)

Physical Description:
Size: 5.75" (15cm). This species was once lumped with the Pacific-Slope Flycatcher into the species of Western Flycatcher. These two species are almost indistinguishable by sight. Range and song are the most useful discriminators. Olive-brown above. Throat gray to white, yellowish belly. Eye ring tear-shaped.

Similar Species- Most Empidonax flycatchers are so similar in appearance that it is nearly impossible to tell them apart be sight alone without a bird in hand. Luckily, their songs and calls along with habitat are good diagnostics.

Song:
A three-parted Pseet-Trip-Pseet! Call note a two-syllable Whip-eeep! ending upward.

Distribution:
Breeds from southeastern Washington, southwestern Alberta, northern Idaho, western Montana, Wyoming, and western South Dakota, south (generally east of Cascades and Sierra Nevada) to Northern California, Nevada, portions of Arizona and Mexico, western Texas, and western Nebraska. Winters from southern Baja California and northern Mexico, south through breeding range.

Habitat:
Found in wooded areas ranging from riparian woodlands through aspens into coniferous forest zones; extends out into shrub steppe during nonbreeding season. Also found in shady canyon bottoms. In winter, found mostly in mixed woodlands and forests.

Diet:
Mainly insectivorous, but also east small amounts of seeds and berries.

Ecology:
Nests on rocky ledge, dirt bank, in mouth of mine tunnel, or in protected spot around building (commonly aroung mountain cabins).

Female incubate 3-4 eggs for 12-13 days. Nestlings fledge at 14-18 days.

Conservation:

Element Code:	ABPAE33160
Status:	Protected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S4,NTMB
National Rank:	N5B

Important State References:
No references are available at this time.