Nutting's Flycatcher (Myiarchus nuttingi), Bill Williams River NWR, La Paz County

This Nutting's Flycatcher was discovered by David Vander Pluym and Lauren Harter on 18 December 2011 and confirmed on 19 December 2011.  Sound recordings were made by Lauren Harter on 19 and 20 December 2011 and by Cole Wolf on 19 December 2011.  The bird was photographed by David Vander Pluym and Cole Wolf on 19 December 2011, by John West on 20 December 2011, by Philip Kline on 26 December 2011, by Bryan Patrick on 30 December 2011 and by Tom Johnson on 09 March 2012.

There are four previous records for Nutting's Flycatcher in North America, three in Arizona and one in California.  The most recent Arizona record (2008) was from this same location. 

These four recordings (1-4) were made by Lauren Harter:

In the first recording, it is spontaneously calling with a short "wheep" call.  Recording 1

In the second recording, it gives a buzzy songlike snippet, "brrt", in response to a recording of Nutting's Flycatcher.  Recording 2

In the third recording, it gives several short "wheep" calls in response to a tape. The last three calls are this bird, as well as a few given while the tape was being played.  Recording 3

In the fourth recording, it gives a single long "wheep" call. This is the call it typically gives naturally. Recording 4

These three recordings (5-7) were made by Cole Wolf:

Two recordings of the short weep call:
Recording 5
Recording 6

A recording of the long weep call:
Recording 7

Field marks that support Nutting's in the following photographs: 1. Cinnamon edgings turning to yellow on the secondaries 2. Brown face 3. Bright yellow belly 4. Small bill 5. Green tones to the back 6. Lack of dark tail hook (rules out an adult Ash-throated) on underside of outermost tail feather. 

Somewhat dated (2003), but extensive analysis of Nutting's Flycatcher ID by Don Robertson, can be found here.

19 December 2011, photos by David Vander Pluym

19 December 2011, photos by Cole Wolf

26 December 2011, photos by Philip Kline

30 December 2011, photos by Bryan Patrick

 

 

 

09 March 2012, photo by Tom Johnson

 

This photo does not show the diagnostic field marks, but does show some supporting marks like the brownish face and shape compared to an Ash-throated Flycatcher.

20 December 2011, photo by John West

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer