Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus
Silhouette: Emily Willoughby · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyTyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
- GenusEmpidonax (Empidonax Flycatchers)
- SpeciesEmpidonax minimus (Least Flycatcher)
About the Least Flycatcher
The least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) (also called chebec, or chebecker, after the sound it makes) is a small insect-eating bird. It is the smallest Empidonax flycatcher in eastern North America. The closest relative to the least flycatcher was long thought to be the Hammond's flycatcher based on similarities in their songs and appearances. However, mitochondrial DNA analysis has revealed that the least flycatcher diverges significantly from its congeners and does not possess any sister taxa.
The least flycatcher is hard to distinguish from the other birds of its genus. The bird is one of the smallest of the genus Empidonax, measuring 12 to 14 cm in height with a wingspan of 19 to 22 cm and weighing approximately 10.3 g. Its plumage is dull olive-gray on its back and whitish on its belly, notably brighter than the other Empidonax birds. The least flycatcher's wings are lined with two white bars, and white rings contour its eyes. Its beak is short and the lower mandible is yellowish. The juveniles look similar to the adults except that their wing bars are slightly darker, with tawny/olive hues. Because other flycatchers also have those field marks... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Least Flycatcher in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Cape Breton Highlands National Park
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Least Flycatcher in Cape Breton Highlands National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Least Flycatcher sighting in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, based on 106 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Least Flycatcher in Cape Breton Highlands National Park?
May has the highest sighting rate for Least Flycatcher in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in our monthly data.