Least Flycatcher – Maine to Texas and Back to Wisconsin

I asked ChatGPT to identify the bird in the photo. Here is the result:

Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)

This appears to be a Least Flycatcher, the smallest of the Empidonax flycatchers. Key identifying features visible in the photo:

Olive-brown upperparts with a rounded head
Pale yellowish-white underparts
Two white wing bars on dark brown wings
Bold white eye ring
Short, broad bill typical of flycatchers
Compact, round body shape

Why Least Flycatcher?

The Empidonax genus is notoriously difficult to identify visually, but the combination of the prominent eye ring, small size, whitish underparts with just a hint of yellow, and the overall “puffed up” posture points strongly to the Least Flycatcher.

Fun Facts

Their distinctive “che-BEK!” call is usually the most reliable identification method
They’re insectivores, sallying out from perches to catch insects mid-air
Common migrant through Wisconsin in spring (like right now!) and fall
They breed across Canada and the northern US, wintering in Central America

Given your location in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this would be a perfectly expected sighting during spring migration in late May! 🐦