Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) is in the Tyrant Flycatchers family (Tyrannidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,207 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Gray Flycatcher: observations by month (U.S.)
About Gray Flycatcher
The American gray flycatcher, or just gray flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) as it is known in North America, is a small, insectivorous passerine in the tyrant flycatcher family. It is common in the arid regions of western North America, especially the Great Basin. From sagebrush steppes to pinyon-juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests, this flycatcher forages for insects from shrubs or low tree branches.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Gray Flycatcher by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 777 | April | Apr–May |
| Arizona | 510 | April | Dec–Apr |
| New Mexico | 174 | April | Apr–Jun |
| Texas | 173 | April | Apr–Sep |
| Oregon | 134 | May | May–Jul |
| Colorado | 101 | May | Apr–May |
| Utah | 97 | May | May–May |
| Nevada | 73 | April | Apr–May |
| Washington | 68 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Idaho | 49 | May | May–Sep |
| Montana | 18 | June | May–Jun |
| Wyoming | 12 | May | May–Jun |
| Nebraska | 6 | August | Aug–Sep |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Tyrant Flycatchers)
Eastern Phoebe
Black Phoebe
Eastern Kingbird
Say's Phoebe
Western Kingbird
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Vermilion Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Gray Flycatcher?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Gray Flycatcher most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Arizona, New Mexico.