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Arizona Empid ID help (1 Viewer)

Peacefrog2

Well-known member
I photographed this bird in Madera Canyon in Arizona and would like any input that anyone here has to offer concerning its ID. I am mostly interested in the reasoning behind your ID assignment.

The bird was working the vegetation at about eye-level and not returning to the same perch twice. It did not remain in the area for long and I was not able to hear it vocalize.

Thanks,

Greg
 

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It looks like a Cordilleran Flycatcher. They are probably the most common species of empid in those canyons at this time of year.
 
Thanks for the input here. It looks like not many people are willing to touch this one (I don’t blame them). Do you think this bird looks like a Cordilleran Flycatcher because that is what you expect to find in this location or is there some field-mark that you are using to make this determination? I am not trying to be smart, just trying to build my empid ID skills and any info would help.

Thanks again,

Greg
 
Cordilleran and Buff-breasted are the only empids that breed in those canyons. It is worn, but the dull greenish color, slightly crested appearance, teardrop-shaped eyering, and short primary projection are all good for a Cordilleran.
 
Thanks for your follow-up. This bird is obviously not a Buff-breasted Flycatcher and it is my understanding that you are correct that only that and Cordilleran breed in the area I wonder is there any way to exclude a stray Dusky or Hammonds… based on these photos?

I do agree that it is probably a Cordilleran.

Thanks again,

Greg
 
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