FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Birds are easily one of the most beautiful creations on earth, especially songbirds. The birds of the passerine family, or songbirds, are very important insectivores. A lot of people are unfamiliar and unaware of the beauty of this family of birds. Passerines are mostly warblers and are very important to the ecosystem as pollinators and as insectivores responsible for balancing the number of small terrestrial invertebrates. This fact file is about such a songbird, alder flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum), belonging to the family of tyrant flycatcher birds. These birds are small-sized insectivores of the order passeriformes, family Tyrannidae, and genus Empidonax. Native to north and south America, these birds are considered to be belonging to the biggest family of birds of around 400 species. An alder flycatcher is scientifically known as Empidonax alnorum.
When you compare alder flycatcher vs. Willow flycatcher, you can not help but notice remarkable similarities. Alder and Willow flycatcher were earlier identified as only a single species as Traill's flycatcher, but now both these species have been divided into two species. While these two species look almost identical, Alder and Willow flycatchers give no response when they hear each other's call or song. Here are some interesting facts on the alder flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum).
After reading these fascinating facts, do check out our other articles on the great crested flycatcher and vermilion flycatcher as well.
The alder flycatcher (Empidonax alnorum) is a small-sized bird but the largest of its family Empidonax. Small beaks, small body size, small tail, pale iris, and plumage with white patches are a few peculiar features of these birds. The alder flycatcher song is regarded as extremely melodious.
An alder flycatcher is an insectivore bird belonging to the class Aves, a class of birds of the phylum chordata of kingdom animalia. It hails from order passeriformes, family tyrannidae, and genus Empidonax. More specifically, these birds belong to the family tyrannidae of the order passeriformes, order of passerine birds or warblers.
These birds from order passeriformes, family tyrannidae, and genus Empidonax are found in good numbers across the globe. Partners in flight have estimated that the breeding population of alder flycatcher birds is around 120 million.
The alder flycatcher bird prefers wetlands covered in heavy vegetation. Across the North American Continent, alder flycatchers are found breeding across Canada and Alaska. In autumn, these birds migrate to parts of the United States, Mexico, and Central America. In winter, these birds of North America migrate to South America for shelter.
Alder flycatcher birds prefer elevated regions of trees such as maple, alder, and birch trees. Alder flycatchers nest in wet regions with thick vegetation. While migrating, these birds of North America occupy humid regions with arid and semi-arid weather. During winter, these North American birds occupy regions of lower elevation, such as woodland edges.
Alder flycatchers are found in fields in small groups of their own species. Alder flycatchers may also be found dwelling with other warblers of their own kind. These birds of North America avoid human company, and it is considered illegal to take them as pets, so finding these North American birds in the human company is very, very rare.
Flycatchers, just like other warblers, have a short life span. On average, an alder flycatcher may live for around 3-6 years. The longest-living alder flycatcher lived around nine years in captivity.
A significant population of alder flycatcher breeds lives in Canada. The breeding range for this bird species in Canada extends from Manitoba to Newfoundland and south to British Columbia, the Great Lakes region, and New England. This bird species is seasonally monogamous during the breeding season. Male flycatchers are extremely territorial and respond to the intruders by flicking their tails and wings, raising the crest, and chasing away the intruder from the breeding grounds. After the pair has been formed, both males and females engage in sexual mating to mark the breeding season. Thereafter, females lay around two to four eggs, which both sexes help to incubate, marking the completion of the breeding process. After the eggs hatch, both parents feed the young flycatchers till they are ready to fledge.
According to the IUCN red list, these birds fall under the least concerned species of the world in terms of conservation status. Their population is stable across the USA, but there is a 44% decline in Canada. The threat to their survival is due to the increasing population and their natural habitats taken up by the citizens for building houses and industries.
An alder flycatcher bird is a small-sized bird hardly 6 in (15 cm) in length. It has a broad tail and a short pointy beak. Its body is covered in brown plumage, with white feathers covering its breasts and abdomen reaching all along its neck and underside of its beak. There is a presence of dark bands on its breast region. It has a pale iris and a wingspan covered in black plumage. Juveniles can be distinguished from the elder by the difference in the color of the plumage.
Alder flycatcher birds are really cute. In fact, all the warblers and passerine birds are really cute and colorful birds. Their small size, unique call attraction, and unique plumage attract a lot of bird sighters in their habitat.
Alder flycatcher, just like any other warbler or songbird, communicates via a unique alder flycatcher call. The alder flycatcher song is heard like fee-bee-o, and while singing, they throw their head backward and move their tail in a way that is dancing during foraging produces a pit sound. Besides, other alder flycatcher songs include a double peak, zwee-oo, and wee-oo, especially when this bird species is aggressive.
Alder flycatchers are small-sized birds, almost half the size of an average parrot. The flycatcher alder reaches an average length of 5.1-6.7 in (12.9-17.0 cm). The wingspan of an alder flycatcher is 7-8 in (17.7-20.3 cm) long.
Flycatchers are fast birds, but their speed is not really known. These birds are swift and fly really fast.
Alder flycatcher's range of weight is around 0.42-0.49 oz (11.9-13.8 gm). The light weight of these birds is due to the hollow bones, having space for air and plumage (feathers) as exoskeleton covering. All these features are vital for easy flight.
There are no separate names for male and female flycatchers. These are identified by their distinct physical features and unique vocal abilities.
A baby flycatcher is referred to as nestlings or hatchlings just after they are born. When young of this species grow enough to fledge, they are referred to as fledglings. Juvenile flycatcher birds may stay with their parents for a few months till they are grown enough to forage, migrate and survive on their own.
E. Alnorm’s common name suggests that these species are fly eaters; more generally, they feed on various kinds of flying insects such as wasps, ants, locusts, butterflies. Birds of this species catch these insects during their flight, and in winter, they include a variety of fruits and seeds as a part of their diet in addition to the flying insects.
These birds are quite aggressive compared to the other passerines. Their distinct vocal call is a sign of their aggression when they are fighting for mates or defending their territory.
This bird species dwells in the wild and needs large space for foraging activities. It is a horrible idea to keep them as pets. Also, it is illegal in many parts of the United States to keep them in captivity.
Alder flycatchers are very closely related to Willow flycatcher as both were once placed under a single species, Traill's flycatcher.
Hybrids of these genera have been spotted in many places.
Besides, these seed-feeding birds are very important for the survival of certain plant species.
Alder flycatcher and willow flycatcher do not respond to each other's calls, despite being remarkably similar in appearance.
A flycatcher has a distinct call. Normally a call like fee-bee-o can be heard, and these birds are spotted dancing while giving this call. When aggressive, one can hear them calling a double-peak, zwee-oo, or a kitter’ call can be heard when they are excited.
There are various species of these birds and can be identified by their colorful plumage, distinct calls, and small body size. The tail of a Red-breasted flycatcher is brownish gray, while that of a Taiga flycatcher is almost jet black.
Alder and Willow flycatcher were earlier identified as only a single species, but now both these species have been divided into two species.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these boreal chickadee facts and red-throated loon facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our flycatcher coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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