The
Ash-throated
Flycatcher
frequently uses
man-made
structures for
nesting. That is
what this pair
did in one of
our "Wren
houses".
The flycatcher
is found as far
North
as Washington
and as far South
as Central
Mexico.
They have a
delicate yellow
color on their
belly and a long
orange tail with
a little orange
on their
wings. They also
have a perky
little crest and
black feet.
"Ash-throated
Flycatchers nest
in tree cavities
or nest boxes.
Both members of
the pair help
build the nest,
which is a mass
of twigs,
rootlets, and
weeds, lined
with soft
feathers and
hair. The female
incubates four
to five eggs for
about 15 days.
Both parents
feed the young,
which leave the
nest and begin
to fly at 14 to
16 days. The
parents continue
to feed the
young for a few
days after they
leave the nest,
and often raise
a second
brood."
http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?id=293
Insects are the
most common
food, although
they may eat
some fruits and
berries. I
noticed that
they sat on the
branches of the
Manzanita for
some time before
feeding the baby
birds. It was
almost like they
were posing for
me.
