Olive-sided Flycatcher
Contopus cooperi

Migratory Status: Neotropical migrant

PIF Population Estimate: 1 200 000

Percent of western hemisphere population breeding in boreal forest: 25-49%

BAM Effective Detection Radius (m) : 120.66

PIF Maximum Detection Distance (m) : 300

Canadian BBS Population trend: -3.7 (-5.1 to -2.2)

Life History

The Olive-sided flycatcher has the longest migration route of any flycatcher breeding in North America and winters in the Andes as far south as Bolivia. It has a distinctive and memorable song, “quick, three beers”. The song is loud and sung from atop a prominent perch, usually the tallest tree or snag in the area. Under the right conditions, the emphatic song may be heard nearly a kilometre away. Its unique song makes the Olive-sided Flycatcher one of the most recognizable songbirds of the boreal forest.

Unlike its distinguishing song, the Olive-sided Flycatcher is a rather drab looking bird. In general, they appear chunky, big headed, and short-tailed; sexes are visually alike. Olive-sided Flycatchers are medium-sized and have dull gray-brown upperparts that are darker towards the head and wings. Adults and juveniles are both white below and have contrasting gray flanks that span halfway across the breast, giving the appearance of a dark, unbuttoned vest. Unique among flycatchers, they have a white tuft of feathers alongside the rump that is often visible when perched.

Olive-sided Flycatchers breed along the edges of conifer-dominated forests and natural openings, including burns, meadows, bogs, marshes, and open water. They will readily nest in or near harvested cutblocks, preferring partially cut areas or patches that still retain some forest structure. They generally require some mature or old forest nearby, but they will use early successional habitats if there are residual tall snags or trees present. Olive-sided Flycatchers regularly nest along wooded shores of streams, lakes and ponds. Breeding near water is particularly common in nesting areas of the northern boreal forest.

All nesting territories are characterized by the presence of prominent trees and snags that serve as both singing and foraging perches. Olive-sided Flycatchers feed almost exclusively on flying insects. They typically forage at heights near or above the canopy, although foraging height may vary depending on weather conditions. On sunny, warm days Olive-sided Flycatchers typically “flycatch” at canopy height. However, on windy or inclement days, flying insects are forced closer to the ground and the flycatchers subsequently respond by perching and foraging at lower heights.

Reference(s)

Altman, B., and R. Sallabanks. 2000. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi), The Birds of North America Online, . A. Poole, Ed. Ithaca: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology; Retrieved from The Birds of North America Online database: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/502

COSEWIC. 2007. COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi in Canada, , . Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 25 pp. www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm