Hammond’s flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii is a flycatcher species belonging to the Tyrannidae family. This little insectivorous bird is found in western North America’s coniferous and mixed woodlands. This bird is named after William Alexander Hammond, the US Army’s surgeon general. Hammond gathered specimens of birds for Spencer Fullerton Baird.
Quick Overview: Empidonax Hammondii – Hammond’s Flycatcher
Body size: Around 5.5 in (14 cm) and a weight of 11 g (0.4 oz)
Main colors: Gray, Gray-Brown, White, Yellow
Range: Westen United States
Migratory Bird: Yes
Best time of the year to see in the U.S.: March, April, May, September, October, November
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Hammond’s flycatcher Description
Gray upperparts, gray-brown underparts, white eye-ring; little flycatcher. The throat is a pale gray color, whereas the belly is a soft yellow color. Dark wings with two pale bands.
Size
These birds have a length of 5.5 in (14 cm) and a weight of 11 g (0.4 oz). Their wings could range from 9 in (23 cm).
Feeding
Hammond is mostly an insect predator, consuming ants and flying insects. They love to hunt for flying insects in towering conifers and aspens’ central portions. Beetles, moths, and flies are the flying insects they consume.
Habitat
Mature conifer woods at high elevations are preferred ecosystems.
Behavior
The sound that Hammond’s flycatchers make is one of their most distinguishing characteristics. Males use the call note “pip,” while females use the call note “peek.” Three rough phrases comprise the songs: “see-wit…burp…beep”. The three phrases share the same pattern and vowel sounds. These vocalizations set this species apart from other Empidonax flycatchers.
Empidonax Hammondii Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Tyrannidae
- Genus: Empidonax
- Species: Empidonax hammondii
Best time of the year to see
In the United States, the best time of year to see these birds are during the Spring season (March-May) and during the Autumn season (September – November).
Distribution of the Hammond’s flycatcher in the USA
Breeds from eastern Alaska to northern California and northern New Mexico, passing into western Canada. Winters in the tropics from Mexico to Central America, and on rare occasions in Arizona and extreme southwest Texas.
Hammond’s flycatcher can be found in the following states in the United States – Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Oklahoma.
