Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis was a real poser. Cuter than most movie stars. Sings better too.
Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis was a real poser. Cuter than most movie stars. Sings better too.

Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis

(Previously known as Western flycatcher) It was decided that this previous group was actually two separate species.

Migration of the Pacific-slope flycatcher

Like many other tyrant flycatchers, the Pacific-slope flycatcher spends the winter in Mexico.

Diet of the Pacific-slope flycatcher

The Pacific-slope flycatcher eats mainly flying insects. Occasionally they will eat berries and seeds.

Range of the Pacific-slope flycatcher

Found in forested areas in the summer. Not found in the Deserts, Central valley, and on the eastern side of Sierras.

This Pacific-slope flycatcher and his mate were alternately flying between the Sambucus mexicana, Quercus agrifolia, and Pinus jeffreyi in the nursery garden. Finally I was able to take his picture on a branch of the Jeffrey pine, which was adjacent to the bird bath. The female was in the shade and much harder to get a picture of.
A male Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis
A male Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis

Habitat/plant community used by the Pacific-slope flycatcher

The pacific slope flycatcher like warm moist wooded areas.

Click on these plant community links to learn more about specific plant material and climates.

Lodgepole Pine Forest

Closed coned coniferous

Yellow pine forest

Riparian

Redwood forest

Northern Oak Woodland

Central Oak woodland

Southern Oak woodland

Nest habitats used by the Pacific-slope flycatcher

The Pacific-slope flycatcher nests in moist forested areas. In cavities in trees, utilize snags as well as dead branches of live trees.
Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis, with the orange bottom beak.
Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis, with the orange bottom beak.

How to attract the Pacific-slope flycatcher to your garden

To attract the Pacific-slope flycatcher to your garden you need moist forest habitats and appropriate nesting cavities. Don't cut down old snags (unless they are about to fall on your house or something). These provide excellent nesting sites. The Pacific-slope flycatcher utilizes moist habitats. Tall trees near moist areas or wet areas such as meadows, ponds, streams etc.

Learn more about California's flora from our front page.

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Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis on alert.
Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis on alert He looked like a character out of a Thurber story.
The beak on the female Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis is different. I'd not known she was the same species but the male was paying a great deal of attention to her.
The beak on the female Pacific-slope flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis is different. I'd not known she was the same species but the male was paying a great deal of attention to her.