Olive-sided Flycatcher

A flycatcher with dusky, vest-like sides and a relatively large bill is likely an Olive-sided Flycatcher. Look for this bird perched on top of tall, bare tree branches. Its song, "Whip-three-beers" is easily recognized and often appreciated by thirsty northwoods hikers and canoeists. This species breeds in forests across Canada and the northernmost United States, south through the Rocky Mountains.

Olive-sided Flycatchers migrate from the northern forests to Central and South America. We saw this early migrant south of Faribault, Minnesota, during our Rice County Big Day census. We tallied 121 species, well short of the county record of over 140 in a single day. Despite this failure, we enjoyed seeing many new birds for the year and, of course, excellent companionship.

The song link used in this post is with permission from Thayer's Birds of North America DVD Gold Edition V5.5