What does the Willow Flycatcher song sound like?

Empidonax traillii

Song Uncommon to locally common

Play the real Willow Flycatcher song, the "FITZ-bew", and learn what to listen for.

“FITZ-bew”

What the Willow Flycatcher song sounds like

A sharp, two-syllable burst; first syllable rising, second falling and slightly burry. Delivered repeatedly from exposed perches.

“FITZ-bew”

Birders often file this one under Primary Song.

How to find the bird singing it

Dense, shrubby habitats near water such as willow thickets, riparian corridors, wet meadows, swamp edges, and overgrown beaver ponds.

Plain Face: Lacks conspicuous eye-ring; face uniform olive-gray with dusky lores.
Long, Broad Bill: Orange-flesh lower mandible contrasts with dark upper; bill appears longer than on Alder Flycatcher.
Two Pale Wingbars: Whitish wingbars fairly narrow and not strongly contrasting.

When you'll hear it

Breeding

Occupies dense willow/alder thickets along streams and meadows, vigorously singing and defending territory.

Migration

Passes quietly through various shrubby habitats; difficult to detect without song.

Winter

In Central America inhabits forest edges, second growth, and coffee plantations, remaining silent most of the season.

Don’t confuse it with

Birds whose song gets mistaken for this one. Play them back to back.

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Noticeably longer wings and primary projection.

Least Flycatcher

Bold, complete white eye-ring.

Willow Flycatcher song FAQ

What does a Willow Flycatcher song sound like?

A sharp, two-syllable burst; first syllable rising, second falling and slightly burry. Delivered repeatedly from exposed perches. Birders write it as "FITZ-bew".

How do I tell a Willow Flycatcher from a Alder Flycatcher by ear?

Alder Flycatcher: Song is different—nasal 'fee-BEE-o', not 'FITZ-bew'.; Bill slightly shorter and narrower..

When is the best time to hear the Willow Flycatcher song?

Arrives on breeding grounds late spring (May–June), nests through July, departs by early September for tropical wintering areas.

More Willow Flycatcher sounds

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