Posted by Rafael Serra on July 19, 2008

Q: These pictures were taken at Welder, Sinton on 7/11 2008. through the telematic observatory they have installed there. Users worldwide of the observatory we have been able to identify most of the pictures taken there but we have some problems with these ones. We think it is a Flycatcher genus Myiarchus but we don’t know which one.

Could please anybody there help with this? Most of us are not familiar with birds there so we are dependent on field guides and the web info. A short note about this bird would be much appreciated.

www.elanus.net

State: Texas

A: I would agree with you that your bird is in the genus Myiarchus but the photos are not clear enough to make a definite determination of which one. The two birds that are in question here, as I see it, are the Ash-throated and Brown-crested Flycatchers. The Brown-crested has a heavier bill and feet than the Ash-throated but in your photos, I'm not able to see clearly enough to tell.

If someone in your group hear d it singing that can be helpful. The Ash-throated has a series of repeated phrases or a musical kaBRIK. The Brown-crested has low, alternating phrases that sound like prEErrr-prdrdrrr, wrrp-didider. Sibley's book "Guide to Birds" discusses all of this and is your best bet in trying to figure this out. Someone who works at the Welder center may also have a good idea what you saw. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

John Wiessinger ( July 19, 2008)

A: Just dawned on me how you obtained the photos. I did learn about the work you're doing with cameras focused on a feeding station that allows participants to take photos at home on their computer when they see something interesting. Great idea!

I haven't been to Welder (one of our staff members has) myself but knowing the habitat there may helpful in figuring this out . I still believe it is either the Ash-throated (M. cinerascens) or Brown-crested (M. tyrannulus) Flycatcher that you have in your photos. According to Sibley, the Ash-throated is more commonly found in open, arid habitat while the Brown-crested is more partial to riparian (habitat along a stream or river) woods. Hope this helps with your sleuthing.

Good luck.

John Wiessinger ( July 19, 2008)

A: Just received info from John Rappole (Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Conservation and Research Park who has worked at Welder) and this is his comment on the flycatcher question and want to pass along.

According to John Rappole's email: "Most likely, any Myiarchus at Welder now is Brown-crested. Ash-throated have been seen there, but are not common.

Great Crested are there only during migration, so far as is known. Although

the three species differ somewhat in appearance, it is not safe to identify

them from a photo - unless you have a clear view of the underside of the

tail! Best way to identify them in the field is by voice."

Hope this isn't too late to be useful.

John Wiessinger ( July 22, 2008)