General

Dusky Flycatcher: Small flycatcher with olive-gray upperparts and white- or yellow-tinged underparts. Upper breast has a darker band. Eye has faint eye-ring. Sexes are similar.

Range and Habitat

Dusky Flycatcher: Breeds from British Columbia and western South Dakota south to southern California, central Arizona, and northern New Mexico. Spends winters south of the U.S.-Mexico border, and rarely in southern California. Preferred habitats include woodlands containing tall trees and tall undergrowth, mountain chaparral, and open, brushy coniferous forests.

Breeding and Nesting

Dusky Flycatcher: Three to four white eggs are laid in a neat, twiggy cup set low in the crotch of a shrub or small tree. Incubation ranges from 12 to 16 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Dusky Flycatcher: Eats flying insects; forages low over shrubby vegetation.

Readily Eats

Meal Worms

Vocalization

Dusky Flycatcher: Song is a variety of melancholy notes.

Similar Species

Dusky Flycatcher: Hammond’s Flycatcher is smaller and darker below. Gray Flycatcher is grayer above and rangier.