Alder Flycatcher vs Southern Scrub-Flycatcher
Empidonax alnorum versus Sublegatus modestus
Play a quiz with Alder Flycatcher and Southern Scrub-Flycatcher
Alder Flycatcher
Southern Scrub-Flycatcher
In short
The Alder Flycatcher and Southern Scrub-Flycatcher are both small flycatchers, but they differ significantly in habitat and vocalizations. The Alder Flycatcher is found in northern, boreal regions, while the Southern Scrub-Flycatcher inhabits arid scrub and open deciduous woodlands in South America.
Identification tips
1. Habitat: Check the habitat; Alder Flycatchers are in northern wetlands, Southern Scrub-Flycatchers in arid scrub. 2. Vocalization: Listen for the Alder Flycatcher's "fee-bee-o" song. 3. Plumage: Note the more olive-gray tone of Alder Flycatchers versus the grayish brown of Southern Scrub-Flycatchers with a slight pale supercilium.
Size
Both species are small flycatchers, typical of the Tyrant Flycatcher family, with no significant size difference noted.
Plumage
Alder Flycatchers are generally olive-gray above with a pale throat and belly, whereas Southern Scrub-Flycatchers are grayish brown above with a slight pale supercilium and a more yellowish ventrally.
Behaviour
Alder Flycatchers are often inconspicuous and found at low densities, while Southern Scrub-Flycatchers are unremarkable in appearance but adapt to arid environments.
Habitat
Alder Flycatchers breed in northern boreal regions, often in shrubs in wet areas. Southern Scrub-Flycatchers prefer arid scrub and open deciduous woodlands in South America.
Voice
Alder Flycatchers have a distinct song, often described as "fee-bee-o," which is crucial for identification. The Southern Scrub-Flycatcher's vocalizations are not well-documented in the provided notes.
Alder Flycatcher · Southern Scrub-Flycatcher · My Tricky Birds