This picture was taken on a recent trip to Mexico and so far I haven''t been able to identify this bird, as many others that I photographed. I would appreciate help in Identifying this one t
Hi Dave, looks like an Empidonax flycatcher but that's as far as I can go with the ID! I think you need more info such as a view from the back showing the primary tip projection. If you heard the bird sing, you would have a better chance IDing it also. The big eye ring might help some of the forum experts but it's a very tough call. Maybe you can just label it "Empidonax sp." Good luck!
Flycatchers are not my strong suit....but from what I can see, I'm leaning toward Least Flycatcher. Possibly, an Acadian; but it doesn't have the slighty greener hue. The white eye ring, I think, makes it one or the other,but more likely a Least.
I checked the ranges of Empidonax flycatchers, and the one that fits your bird best, with the very prominent eye-ring, would be Least. Willow and Alder tend to have less prominent eye-rings, and the bird doesn't have a yellow enough belly to be a Yellow-bellied. All the other contenders would be out of range, but that doesn't make it impossible (e.g. Cordilleran or something). I agree, the best way of telling these critters apart is by vocalization.
Thank you all for the input everyone, I googled a few of the suggestions and Empidonax flycatchers does appear to be the most fitting.
Chris, the shot was taken in Nuevo Vallarta in some bushes and shrub, the bird was approx, 4 foot from the ground unfortunately this is the only shot I got of this one. Taken late morning, late February this year. Apparently this area is suppose to be a hot spot for birds, I found out after we had booked the resort :D
I wish the vocalisation was an option for me on any bird, I have noise induced hearing loss and do not hear many of the birds.
I am finding that identifying the birds from my vacation much easier for the larger birds than the smaller birds but still have many that I am clueless on.
Edit Could it be a Pacific-slope Flycatcher? http://10000birds.com/what-is-an-emp...flycatcher.htm
Sorry - I didn't read the part of your post that said the picture had been taken in Mexico - I just saw your avatar, and assumed it had been taken in Edmonton! Of course, that puts a completely different take on my remarks about range. In that case, Pacific Slope Flycatcher would certainly fit best with that big eye ring.
Pacific-Slope and Cordilleran Flycatchers are virtually identical and can in my experience can only be reliably distinguished by their vocalizations. Both are found in Mexico. It was easier when they were both Western Flycatcher. :D
first picture post, ID please
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