Watercolor portrait of Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens
A summer bird of eastern North America,… Shady, mature deciduous woods are its sw… Fairly common Explosive rising song

Learn to identify the Acadian Flycatcher by ear. Master the "an explosive peet-SAH! from deep shade" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“PEET-SAH!”

What the Acadian Flycatcher sounds like

This little woodland flycatcher loves to hide in the leaves, then suddenly gives itself away with a sharp, rising PEET-SAH! It looks sleek and olive-green, with a bold white eye-ring and a surprisingly broad, flat bill. In rich eastern forests, the voice is often your first clue.

“an explosive peet-SAH! from deep shade”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A sharp two-part burst that jumps upward, with the second syllable accented and higher. It sounds forceful, bright, and easy to hear through leafy woods. Often written as “PEET-SAH!”.
Don't confuse with:The Willow Flycatcher — acadian has the broader, larger, flatter bill; willow's bill looks noticeably narrower.

Lessons featuring the Acadian Flycatcher

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Acadian Flycatcher's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Flycatchers That Say Their Names lesson habitat
Flycatchers That Say Their Names
Tier 4 · Songbirds & Sky Watch
Empid Escape Room lesson habitat
Empid Escape Room
Tier 6 · After Hours
Empid ID Bootcamp lesson habitat
Empid ID Bootcamp
Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace
Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Shady, mature deciduous woods are its sweet spot, especially ravines, creek bottoms, and damp forest interior. It usually hunts from sheltered perches in the midstory and understory.

It is easiest to find in late spring and summer, when males sing loudly from hidden perches. During migration it turns quieter and harder to pin down.

Similar species

Willow Flycatcher

Acadian has the broader, larger, flatter bill; Willow's bill looks noticeably narrower.

Alder Flycatcher

Acadian again has the broader, larger bill; Alder looks narrower-billed and a bit plainer-faced.

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Yellow-bellied is smaller and more obviously yellow below; Acadian is whiter-throated and more olive above.

Least Flycatcher

Least is smaller, shorter-billed, and has a squarer head with a tighter, more compact look.

Acadian Flycatcher song FAQ

What does an Acadian Flycatcher sound like?
A sharp two-part burst that jumps upward, with the second syllable accented and higher. It sounds forceful, bright, and easy to hear through leafy woods. Listen for the "an explosive peet-SAH! from deep shade" phrase.
How do I tell an Acadian Flycatcher from a Willow Flycatcher by sound?
Willow Flycatcher: Acadian has the broader, larger, flatter bill; Willow's bill looks noticeably narrower.; Acadian usually shows a bolder white eye-ring and richer olive-green upperparts.; Acadian favors shady mature forest, while Willow prefers shrubby wetlands, edges, and open thickets..
When is the best time to hear an Acadian Flycatcher?
It is easiest to find in late spring and summer, when males sing loudly from hidden perches. During migration it turns quieter and harder to pin down.