Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

A long-distance migrant Breeds in soggy alder and willow tangles… Fairly Common Primary song

Learn to identify the Alder Flycatcher by ear. Master the "free BEER!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“free BEER!”

What the Alder Flycatcher sounds like

A small, plain flycatcher of wet thickets and young woods, more subtle than flashy. Look for dull brownish-olive upperparts, a broad-based bill with a pale lower mandible, and only a faint eye-ring—often so weak it barely shows.

“free BEER!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A sharp, snappy two-part burst that jumps out of wet shrubs. This is the classic sound birders use to pin down an Alder Flycatcher. Often written as “free BEER!”.

Don't confuse with:The Willow Flycatcher — extremely similar in looks and often best separated by voice.

Lessons featuring the Alder Flycatcher

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

Empid Escape Room

Tier 6 · After Hours

Empid ID Bootcamp

Tier 12 · By Pitch and Pace

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds in soggy alder and willow tangles, shrubby bog edges, beaver wetlands, and wet second growth. On migration it turns up in brushy edges, woodland borders, and other dense cover.

Most obvious in late spring and summer, when singing males blurt their sharp song from exposed shrubs. In migration it can feel secretive and easy to overlook unless it calls.

Similar species

Willow Flycatcher

Extremely similar in looks and often best separated by voice.

Least Flycatcher

Shows a bolder, cleaner white eye-ring.

Acadian Flycatcher

Longer-winged with a stronger eye-ring and a cleaner, greener look.

Alder Flycatcher song FAQ

What does an Alder Flycatcher sound like?

A sharp, snappy two-part burst that jumps out of wet shrubs. This is the classic sound birders use to pin down an Alder Flycatcher. Listen for the "free BEER!" phrase.

How do I tell an Alder Flycatcher from a Willow Flycatcher by sound?

Willow Flycatcher: Extremely similar in looks and often best separated by voice.; Usually favors slightly different wet shrubby habitats in some areas, but overlap is common.; Song is a rough 'FITZ-bew,' not the Alder's punchy 'free BEER!'.

When is the best time to hear an Alder Flycatcher?

Most obvious in late spring and summer, when singing males blurt their sharp song from exposed shrubs. In migration it can feel secretive and easy to overlook unless it calls.