You’ve probably never noticed the Acadian Flycatcher (Empidonax virescens). This small Neotropical songbird arrives in the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed during mid-May to breed in the dense shade of mature forests, often along steep slopes adjacent to a brook or creek. It’s quick, sneezy song—“pit-see” or “wee-seet”—heard emanating from the shadows of the woodland understory is often the first and only sign of their presence.
One of the more fascinating habits of the Acadian Flycatcher is their selection of a nesting location. While many species try to conceal their nests in tree cavities, dense foliage, or some other form of cover, this clever songbird constructs a cup using tiny twigs and leaves and places it near the end of a small branch on a small tree. The nest is sometimes very easily seen, but for climbing scroungers looking to plunder eggs or helpless young birds, it’s practically out of reach.
To guard against airborne threats, Acadian Flycatcher parents are vigilant defenders of the space around their nest.
Moments later, things settle down and the waiting continues…
