Flycatcher ID

[Rotarran]

Saw this bird at Downsview today.  Can't really tell if it's a Least Flycatcher or a Willow/Alder Flycatcher.  

[Rotarran]

Just realized that Alder/Willow seem rather unlikely considering the timing.  I guess it's Least by default.  I did hear some Least-like calls which would confirm it I guess.

[Kris Ito]

There might be exceptions but generally Willows don't have a prominent eye ring like we see in your photo. I usually think of Willows & Alders as being a little more "long & lean" looking vs. the "stout" small look of a Least. Here is a great article if you really want to make yourself crazy with some of the finer points of flycatcher i.d.:https://www.aba.org/birding/v41n2p30.pdf

[tangara]

Where was this seen exactly, at Downsview?  Has anyone seen it again today?  It doesn't look quite right for a Least - it warrants further study in my opinion.  It might even be a "Western" type flycatcher :shock:  Are there any more photos?

[Rotarran]

Downsview on Sunday May 8 just shortly after first rainfall ca. 1pm

I do have more pics but they're terrible. I'll upload later anyway. The birds may still be there.

[tangara]

Sorry, where at Downsview Pk. itself?  Near the pond and bridge?  If someone else reports it today, I may go over and try to take a few photos myself ....

[Rotarran]

I think there were 2. This was in the orchard type area just south of the woods and near those reeds that are growing out of the little stream. The wood chop path leads to a small wooden bridge too. That general vicinity


What particular western flycatcher could this be?

[tangara]

If there were two, then it would have been probably a resident bird.  Can you describe the call?  One photo shows a "tear-drop" rear extension to its eye ring which is one of the characters of a "Western" type Flycatcher.  Its tail is very worn which seems to indicate that it is a species that undergoes molt before fall migration.  Its primary extension seems long but it may be due to the molt abrasion.

At this point I am leaning towards Traill's (Alder/Willow) Flycatcher rather than anything more exotic.

[Rotarran]

Note I only think there were 2 because I thought I saw one chase another bird that appeared similar. But I did not see 2 only 1.    It coulf be that the Flycatcher was chasing a Sparrow for example. It all happened so fast I wasn't sure. But I could only confirm one visually.

[thouc]

I would think Least, but really difficult to ID these from pictures.

[Rotarran]

This is all I have of this bird.