Empidonax sp. in Toronto

[Bonsaibirder]

Hello,

On a recent trip to Canada I was lucky enough to bird the Leslie Street Spit in Toronto for an afternoon - a great place, even in July!

I saw two Empidonax sp. which looked and called the same and managed to get photographs of one of them. I think it might be a Willow Flycatcher based on the long primary projection, poorly defined eye-ring and the call which was of the "whit" variety (described in more detail at the folowing link).

Any opinions would be much appreciated. The photographs can be seen here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/saddinall/EmpidSp?authkey=tc3QYZi2j_k

[AndyB]

Hi Steve, your description of call sounds good for Willow. Best, Andy

[birdingcraft]

Yes, based on the photo and especially call description, it is a Willow Flycatcher; rather bulky Empid with reduced or faint eye ring, primary projections not long enough for Contopus, brownish coloring and a softer "whit" rather than the sharper "chip" call of Alder.

[Bonsaibirder]

Thanks Andy and "birdingcraft" for your comments.

[Esa]

Good photos , last one shows all flight feathers folded. Peterson Advanced birding by Kauffman has drawings of the feathers.