I can't do flycatchers

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

Took this yesterday near Vero Beach Florida. I think this is some kind of flycatcher, but I am not really sure can anyone help? Thanks in advance. I have searched bird books with no real success.

[John Chardine]

Well this is a tough one Wheeler! I think you are correct that it is a flycatcher. Looking at the range maps and the features that the image shows I would GUESS at a Least, Willow or Acadian Flycatcher- all in the Empidonax genus.

Do you have any other images of the bird that are somewhat darker and show the wing better?

Any other ideas?

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

I am attaching the only other image of the bird I was able to take. I have darkened the breast a little to try to bring out any color in it. Not very sucessfull. When I look up the flycatchers you suggest, and my almost any time I try to identify flycatchers, I find that the book makes them quite green and mine seem to be quite brown. Is there some reason for that. Hope this helps.
Wheeler

[Doug Hitchcox]

With an all black bill shaped like that I am thinking its an Eastern Phoebe. Its posture doesn't seem phoebe like but its an interesting angle...

[John Chardine]

You could be right Doug. I think I can make out a "smudge on the side of breast" as Sibley describes it and there may be a hint of yellow in the lower flanks. If the all-dark bill is diagnostic, maybe we have a winner!

[Sue Thomson]

Is it possible it is leucistic? There seem to be a few of them in different species showing up on the bird boards lately. So far tonight alone, I have seen robins and grackles that people have posted looking for ID.

Rather neat if it is, eh??? Would be one for my list, for sure!

Cheers,
Sue

[Sue Thomson]

Since I can't edit, I have to add: http://www.mail-archive.com/mou-net@lists.umn.edu/msg12988.html