Post by Gord on May 2, 2023 22:19:44 GMT -8
Given a couple Grey Flycatchers reported this spring and that Dusky Flycatcher are moving through in good numbers, a good time to share what to watch for and to urge caution on a difficult genus of bird to ID. Certainly one to take time gaining experience with.
Grey and Dusky look very similar. Grey often is paler to where their eye ring and lores do not stand out as much as they might on a Dusky who has a slightly darker face which means the eye ring and lores stand out more. Grey has a slightly longer bill and a dark tip on the bottom that's rather sharply defined. Not easy to see in the field. Call notes are basically the same of a dry 'Whit'. Song more different but unlikely to be heard from migrating birds. The tail is the best clue to watch for and to be able to observe for a bit of time to make sure it's doing what it's supposed to be doing. Dusky flicks the tail upwards while Grey dips down before bring it it back to the 'starting position'. I have videos of both at the links below.
Grey
youtu.be/ENR_OyeYwmA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_7UzkeG1k8
Dusky
www.youtube.com/watch?v=adcObmv40-Q
Grey and Dusky look very similar. Grey often is paler to where their eye ring and lores do not stand out as much as they might on a Dusky who has a slightly darker face which means the eye ring and lores stand out more. Grey has a slightly longer bill and a dark tip on the bottom that's rather sharply defined. Not easy to see in the field. Call notes are basically the same of a dry 'Whit'. Song more different but unlikely to be heard from migrating birds. The tail is the best clue to watch for and to be able to observe for a bit of time to make sure it's doing what it's supposed to be doing. Dusky flicks the tail upwards while Grey dips down before bring it it back to the 'starting position'. I have videos of both at the links below.
Grey
youtu.be/ENR_OyeYwmA
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_7UzkeG1k8
Dusky
www.youtube.com/watch?v=adcObmv40-Q