Post by Gord on Jun 4, 2009 20:46:22 GMT -8
In the hectic last few weeks, forgot to share this sighting of a Dusky Flycatcher just outside of Hope. I managed a few pictures that do show the very subtle fieldmarks for this species compared to the very similar Hammond's.
One nice thing about this sighting is it was confirmed that I heard its "whit" call note instead of the "peek!" on a Hammond's. The habitat it was using also was a good clue as it was in a cutblock that was logged a few years ago. The surrounding uncut forest was crawling with Hammond's Flycatchers enjoying the tall conifer tree habitat they prefer (when on breeding grounds...during migration they can show up anywhere!)
Pictures below show some of the fieldmarks on a Dusky. It's pretty bold to use just one fieldmark (outside of song/call) to name this challenging group of birds but happily several are noticeable.
Bill is longer with a pale base and a bit of dark on the tip. The lores (bit between eye and bill) are often paler on this species as well. The primary extension is really short making the tail look long. In fact, the tail length of a Dusky is longer than a Hammond's but that can only be seen in the hand with a ruler. In the field, the primary extension gives something to compare to. Ive also been observing that the tail on most of the Duskys Ive seen is square tipped with just a few that are notched.
Here are some Hammond's. The smaller (width and length compared to Dusky), mostly dark bill makes the head look larger. The lores tend to be darker and the face a little darker as well. The slight crest also helps give a big headed look. The primary extension is very long and gives the tail to look short.
The 'Empid' flycatchers are a challenging group of birds to look at, but with practice and experience, many can be identified and can be a rousing pastime when the seagulls are away ;D. Some can never be positively identified though even if a good look is obtained and the bird does not sing their distinctive songs or calls.
The Dusky Flycatcher is a new bird for the May list too! ;D
One nice thing about this sighting is it was confirmed that I heard its "whit" call note instead of the "peek!" on a Hammond's. The habitat it was using also was a good clue as it was in a cutblock that was logged a few years ago. The surrounding uncut forest was crawling with Hammond's Flycatchers enjoying the tall conifer tree habitat they prefer (when on breeding grounds...during migration they can show up anywhere!)
Pictures below show some of the fieldmarks on a Dusky. It's pretty bold to use just one fieldmark (outside of song/call) to name this challenging group of birds but happily several are noticeable.
Bill is longer with a pale base and a bit of dark on the tip. The lores (bit between eye and bill) are often paler on this species as well. The primary extension is really short making the tail look long. In fact, the tail length of a Dusky is longer than a Hammond's but that can only be seen in the hand with a ruler. In the field, the primary extension gives something to compare to. Ive also been observing that the tail on most of the Duskys Ive seen is square tipped with just a few that are notched.
Here are some Hammond's. The smaller (width and length compared to Dusky), mostly dark bill makes the head look larger. The lores tend to be darker and the face a little darker as well. The slight crest also helps give a big headed look. The primary extension is very long and gives the tail to look short.
The 'Empid' flycatchers are a challenging group of birds to look at, but with practice and experience, many can be identified and can be a rousing pastime when the seagulls are away ;D. Some can never be positively identified though even if a good look is obtained and the bird does not sing their distinctive songs or calls.
The Dusky Flycatcher is a new bird for the May list too! ;D
