Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), Wellton, Yuma County

This Least Flycatcher was discovered on 03 November 2008 by Rich Hoyer, Dylan Radin and Scott Schuette just outside of Wellton in Yuma County.  It was photographed by Scott Schuette on 03 November 2008.

Least Flycatcher is a casual spring and late fall migrant in Arizona with fewer than 10 previous records. 

This bird was found in the Mohawk Valley in a cottonwood grove a couple miles west of Wellton (the only cottonwood grove along County 10th Street between the Wellton and Dome Valley exits).  It was about in the middle of the cottonwood grove where there is a low spot with a dense patch of cottonwood seedlings. The grove doesn't really have very good access and requires a bit of bushwhacking.

The bird was calling and came into pishing and owl imitations.  Defining characteristics that separate this bird from Dusky Flycatcher include the head and neck shape, short, thick bill, pale lower mandible, high wing contrast (very wide, bright wing bars with the rest of the wing rather blackish), white throat and vested look, short wings and tail, and straight-sided tail. Its call was a very short, dry, clipped "phit." It reacted quite aggressively when a recording of Least Flycatcher song was played back to it, but as expected this time of year, did not sing back. 

03 November 2008, photos by Scott Schuette