Empidonax wrightii
(Gray Flycatcher)

Physical Description:
Size 5.5-6" (14-15cm). This Empidonax is gray above and light below (some birds may show an olive tinge on the back). Medium eye ring. Bill long with flesh-colored lower mandible. Pale white wing bars. Tail long, often showing white edges.

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 staccato, two-syllable song. Che-whip! or Che-whey! Note a dry Whit!

Distribution:
Breeds from central Oregon, southwestern Idaho, southwestern Wyoming, northeastern Utah, and central Colorado, south to east-central California, southern Nevada, central Arizona, and west-central New Mexico. Winters from southern California and central Arizona, south to Baja California and south-central mainland of Mexico.

Habitat:
Found in arid woodlands and brushy areas. During migration and in winter, also found in arid scrub, riparian woodlands, and mesquite. Idaho study found species more abundant in old-growth juniper stands than in prescribed burn or clearcut areas.

Diet:
Apparently eats small insects (beetles, grasshoppers, moths, etc.).

Ecology:
Hunts from perch; catches food in air or on ground. Builds cup-shaped nest in shrub or tree (frequently juniper or sage). Breeding population of approximately 25 pairs/100 ha has been reported in Oregon. Chipmunks and jays have been observed destroying nests.

Reproduction:
Female incubates 3-4 eggs for 14 days. Nestlings are altricial and downy, are tended by both parents, leave nest in 16 days, and are fed by parents for 14 more days.

Conservation:

Element Code:	ABPAE33100
Status:	Protected nongame species
Global Rank:	G5
State Rank:	S2,NTMB
National Rank:	N5B,NZN

Important State References:
McCoy, M. 1993. Breeding bird survey of clearcut, prescribed burn, and seral/old growth stands of western juniper. USDI Bur. Land Manage., Boise District, Challenge Cost Share Project Report, Boise. 19pp.