Hi, this was taken yesterday in Medicine Hat, Alberta. I am almost certain it is a juvenile, with it's light shaded median coverts and lack of a prominent eye ring this flycatcher is difficult to get a proper ID of. Any ideas?
Hi Darren- I can see how this appears to be a flycatcher but in fact I think you have a vireo here. It has that beautiful "soft" look around the face that vireos have- not very scientific but a lot of bird ID is based on overall look, jizz or gestalt.
Looking at the head markings (grey cap, light around eye), eye colour (dark), yellow sides, and range I would suggest a Warbling Vireo, Vireo gilvus.
Thank you John, I spent hours looking at every flycatcher in my Sibley's and National Geographic (doh) He doesn't appear to have the sloping forehead like an adult Warbling Vireo. This particular day I shot several adult Warbling Vireo's and this guy was in the same area. I'm guessing he is a fall juvenile then.
It could be a young one Darren. I think I can see a hint of yellow "lips" in the corner of the mouth. It looks like the bird has the feathers on its head raised, hence the round profile.
I think I'm out of my league on this one Shawn. Thanks for contributing. The species are so similar as adults, and then you throw in an immature bird and it becomes a huge challenge. There is a hint of darkness in the lores but I didn't think it was enough for a Philadelphia, but it may be enough for an immature. Sibley has the Philadelphia bill thicker and stubbier than the Warbling, western variety- is this what you were referring to?