There are at least thirty-six species of flycatchers in North America, and this does not include the wood-pewees or phoebes. The
southern regions of the continent and into Mexico has the largest concentration of these different types of birds, where the climate and
the habitat is more to their liking. Although, flycatchers in most cases have duller colours, there are some exceptions, such as the bright
red Vermilion Flycatcher or the spectacular looking Fork-tailed Flycatcher and the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
Insects are the main diet of these birds, and they are noted for their aerial acrobatic displays as they catch flying insects in
the air, at times stopping in mid-flight, hovering and picking their prey from the leaves and branches in the trees. This type of manoeuvre
is known as hawking. Flycatchers prefer high perches, where they have the advantage of seeing a larger area, as they seek their foods.
Flycatchers are some of the most difficult birds to identify, where some species are so similar in size, colour and markings, only the bird's
call can separate them from the others.
Return Flycatchers back to Forest Birds
Return Flycatchers back to Birds of North America