Documentation of
Alder Flycatcher
2017-083
Observer Information
Reporter:
Steven Mlodinow
530 Peregrine Circle,
Longmont,
CO 80504-8806
E-mail:
smlodinow@gmail.com
Other Observers:
Gene Rutherford
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Alder Flycatcher
First Date/Time:
5/16/2017 8:30:00 AM
Last Date/Time:
5/16/2017 8:45:00 AM
Duration (total time in view):
1-2 minutes
County:
Weld
Specific Location:
Gods Woods
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Swarovski 12x50 Bins
Distance:
20-4- feet
Light:
excellent
Description of the Bird
Gene Rutherford called me over to look at an Empid he felt was likely an Alder. About 30 feet in front of us was a largish empid, with a large tail (moderately long and somewhat broad). The back was moderately bright green as was the crown. The wings were blackish with two bright off-white wingbars and white tertial edges that contrasted markedly with the "body" of the tertials. The secondaries were also brightly edged. The primary extension was long. The crown was low and gently rounded. The bill was medium-sized for an Empid (impression, not looked at closely), dark above, some pink/orange/yellow below. The green crown extended thru the auriculars with some gray hues. This contrasted sharply with a white throat. The eyering was very narrow, white, and round. The throat was white with some yellow wash to belly. The bird did not move tail or wings much when perched. After the initial 30 second or so look, I relocated the bird a few minutes later for about an equal amount of time, at which time it gave a clear pleep or peep sound consistent with Alder Flys I've hear in past
Similar Species Discussion
The long-primaries eliminate western subspecies of Willow Flycatcher. Eastern subspecies usually not so evenly green above, show a bit of a crest, have a different call (and look different on head - eyering, cheek color, cheek to throat contrast).
Pewees would not have such marked wing markings, would be larger, even longer primaries, different call, etc.
Least Flycatcher has bolder eyering, shorter primary projection, differently shaped tail, different call
Previous Experience
Moderate with Alder and eastern Willow. Extensive with pewees, western Willow, Least
Notes
Notes made AFTER observation
Materials Available
No files uploaded.
Date Documentation Submitted
5/18/2017 12:35:00 PM
Location Map
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