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Posted by Robin Diaz on 06:44:59 08/17/11
In Reply to: Possible Yellow-bellied Flycatcher posted by The Teenage Birder
A good field mark for Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is missing from your description: dark wings that contrast with the body. Adult and young birds seem to have different molt patterns; first year birds usually (but not always) finish most of their molt on breeding grounds, while adult birds molt on wintering grounds. Very confusing and messes with field observation as to brightness, size/color of wing bars, etc.
However, Acadian Flycatcher molts on breeding grounds and in fall, will seem very bright, with bold wing bars. The "Traill's" empids (Alder and Willow) molt on wintering grounds so when we see them, they will look quite drab, with narrow wing bars. Good thing the Alders at Lucky Hammock vocalize!
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