Olive-sided Flycatcher

Loud, clear, three-syllable whistle with emphasis on last note; delivered repeatedly from exposed treetops.

• Sharp pip call: A short, crisp pip, sometimes repeated in an even series from a high perch. It is much briefer and plainer than the rolling quick-three-beers song. “pip-pip-pip”

Long-distance migrant. Breeds across boreal and montane forests of North America; spends the non-breeding season in montane forests of northern South America.

Prefers open coniferous and mixed forests with tall snags or dead branches that provide high hunting perches; commonly found around forest edges, clear-cuts, burns, and bogs.

Breeding in late May–August in North America; southbound migration August–September; austral wintering November–March; northbound migration April–May.

The Olive-sided Flycatcher is a sturdy, long-winged songbird best known for its emphatic quick-three-beers song from a bare treetop. Dark olive flanks frame a clean white center, creating the famous “vested” look.