Posted by John Tobias on April 20, 2016 at 10:46 AM
I think this is a willow flycatcher. I photographed it yesterday in central Illinois. It is not quite sharp, but I hope enough for an ID. The yellow underside is what makes me think it is a willow flycatcher. The light was fairly flat and this was taken at a distance. Thank you for your help.
Posted by Richard Ditch on April 20, 2016 at 12:34 PM
This an Eastern Phoebe.
Definitely a flycatcher, from the shape of the beak - flat and wide at the base.
Black beak. No eyering. No prominent wingbars. These alone rule out the empids, including the Willow Flycatcher.
The posture and head shape also fits phoebe better that empid - see my post of Willow Flycatcher for overall structure and look.
I agree with Rich. And I'd add to his reasons the absence of a two-toned bill; a Willow Flycatcher would have yellow/orange lower bill. The Eastern Phoebe's is all black.
Discussion
2 repliesDefinitely a flycatcher, from the shape of the beak - flat and wide at the base.
Black beak. No eyering. No prominent wingbars. These alone rule out the empids, including the Willow Flycatcher.
The posture and head shape also fits phoebe better that empid - see my post of Willow Flycatcher for overall structure and look.