Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi
Conservation Concern 3
Like the Common Nighthawk, the Olive-sided Flycatcher is an insectivorous bird that makes long migrations between Canada and South America. For unknown reasons, but perhaps related to its migratory or wintering habitat, it has shown a widespread population decline over the last 30 years; the Canadian population is estimated to have declined by 79% from 1968 to 2006.
Description 3
This large ycatcher is between a bluebird and robin in size. It has a dark face and back, and dark olive sides on its chest.
Typical Habitat 3
Found in a wide variety of open forests and woodlands, especially along edges of burns or peatlands with standing dead trees.
Potential Threats 3
Fire suppression can create closed forests that these birds avoid. Clearcut logging removes breeding habitat. Habitat alteration and loss on the wintering grounds of this migratory bird may also pose serious threats to these birds’ populations.
Did You Know? 3
The Olive-sided Flycatcher is one of the very few Yukon songbirds that migrate as far south as South America—others in this exclusive club include Swainson’s Thrush, Blackpoll Warbler, and Cliff, Barn, and Bank swallows. The male’s loud, ringing song has been transcribed as “Quick, three beers!” or the shorter “Free beer!” A “pip-pip-pip” call is believed to be given in close proximity to the nest. Although they attack many flying insects, the most common prey recorded in a central Alaska study were yellowjacket wasps and small dragon ies.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Jerry Oldenettel, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/7457894@N04/2497653627
- (c) Steven Mlodinow, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Steven Mlodinow
- (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
More Info
Range Map
iNaturalist.ca Map
| Animal | Bird |
|---|---|
| Bird | Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannize) |
| Color | grey |
