Species Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Legendary
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Empidonax flaviventris
Legendary · Tyrannidae

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the autumn, particularly on the eastern and southern coasts. It is a small, insect-eating bird that can be spotted in a variety of habitats, including woodland edges and scrubby areas.

Habitat
Woodland
When to find it
Rare visitor
Family
Tyrannidae
Rarity tier
Legendary

Field Identification Guide

Use these features to identify Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in the field.

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher can be identified by its olive-green back, yellow belly, and distinctive white eye ring, as well as its short, broad bill and long, rounded tail.

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 12-13 cm in length.

Male

The male Yellow-bellied Flycatcher has a distinctive olive-green back and wings, with a bright yellow belly and white wing bars, although the plumage can appear more subdued in certain lighting conditions.

Female

The female Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is similar to the male, with similar olive-green and yellow plumage, although it may appear slightly duller.

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher's call is a sharp, high-pitched "tzip" or "tzee", often repeated in a series.

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is an active, agile bird that feeds on insects in mid-air, often making short, swift flights from a perch to catch its prey, and can also be seen hovering in front of foliage to catch insects.

The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher can be confused with other flycatcher species, such as the Pied Flycatcher, but can be distinguished by its yellow belly and white eye ring, as well as its more subdued colouration and shorter bill.

Quick Facts

📏 Size The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is smaller than a Starling, measuring around 12-13 cm in length.
🌿 Habitat Woodland
🕗 Season Rare visitor
🌻 Family Tyrannidae
📚 Latin name Empidonax flaviventris
⚖ Similar species The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher can be confused with other flycatcher species, such as the Pied Flycatcher, but can be distinguished by its yellow belly and white eye ring, as well as its more subdued colouration and shorter bill.

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