Watercolor portrait of Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus
Breeds across southern Canada and the no… Deciduous and mixed-wood forest edges, o… common Primary song

Learn to identify the Least Flycatcher by ear. Master the "che-BEK! che-BEK!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“che-BEK! che-BEK!”

What the Least Flycatcher sounds like

The Least Flycatcher is the smallest and most compact of North America’s notoriously tricky Empidonax flycatchers. A stubby bill, bold white eye ring, and crisp, short “che-bek” song help set it apart in the breeding season. It hawks tiny insects from exposed perches in open deciduous woods, orchards, and wooded neighborhoods.

“che-BEK! che-BEK!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A sharp, two-syllable whistle repeated every 2–3 seconds, often incessantly at dawn. Often written as “che-BEK! che-BEK!”.
Don't confuse with:The Alder Flycatcher — alder’s song is a harsh two-syllable “fee-bee-o” unlike least’s crisp “che-bek.”

Lessons featuring the Least Flycatcher

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Least 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

Deciduous and mixed-wood forest edges, orchards, shelterbelts, wooded parks, and streamside thickets; prefers stands with a semi-open understory and scattered tall perch trees.

Arrives on breeding grounds from late April through May; males sing vigorously and defend tiny territories through July. Post-breeding dispersal begins in August, with most gone by mid-September. Winters quietly in tropical forest edges and shade-coffee plantations.

Similar species

Alder Flycatcher

Alder’s song is a harsh two-syllable “fee-BEE-o” unlike Least’s crisp “che-BEK.”

Willow Flycatcher

Longer, broader bill with entirely pale lower mandible.

Hammond’s Flycatcher

More western montane species; longer primary projection.

Least Flycatcher song FAQ

What does a Least Flycatcher sound like?
A sharp, two-syllable whistle repeated every 2–3 seconds, often incessantly at dawn. Listen for the "che-BEK! che-BEK!" phrase.
How do I tell a Least Flycatcher from a Alder Flycatcher by sound?
Alder Flycatcher: Alder’s song is a harsh two-syllable “fee-BEE-o” unlike Least’s crisp “che-BEK.”; Alder shows a slightly longer primary projection and greener back in fresh plumage..
When is the best time to hear a Least Flycatcher?
Arrives on breeding grounds from late April through May; males sing vigorously and defend tiny territories through July. Post-breeding dispersal begins in August, with most gone by mid-September. Winters quietly in tropical forest edges and shade-coffee plantations.