Ash-throated flycatcher can be found across NM
The ashthroated flycatcher is a fairly common flycatcher that summers throughout New Mexico and much of the west.
This flycatcher is somewhat large at 8.5 inches in length. It is a slender bird with a pale yellow belly; gray, buffy throat; and a hint of rust color on the wings and tail. One noticeable feature is slightly raised head feathers that give the appearance of a crest on the top of its head. This flycatcher is mainly found in dry habitats.
In New Mexico, the ash-throated flycatcher can be found just about everywhere, including sparsely wooded river valleys, desert scrub and agricultural areas with some trees. In Albuquerque I have seen many ash-throated flycatchers in the bosque along the Rio Grande and in the desert habitat of the foothills of the Sandia Mountains.
It is not always easy to spot this flycatcher. Like many birds in the desert, they are the most vocal and active in the morning before the day heats up. Listen for its distinctive and loud ka-brick sound. They also make a gurgling noise. If it’s in a noisy environment, this flycatcher will sing at a higher pitch in order to be heard. Like many flycatchers, the ashthroated will perch on low-hanging tree branches searching for prey. Watch for them to fly from their perch to grab flying insects in midair. They will often return to the same or a nearby perch. Their diet consists of spiders and insects like bees, stink bugs, moths and flies. They will sometimes supplement their diet with fruit from mistletoe.
One reason the ash-throated flycatcher thrives in dry habitats is that they do not need to drink water. They get the moisture they need from their insect-rich diet.
Ash-throated flycatchers are cavity nesters. They look for natural tree cavities and will also use manmade nest boxes to raise their young. This flycatcher has adapted well to human development in its ability to use artificial structures like pipes and mailboxes as nest sites. They build their nest 5 to 70 feet aboveground and thrive in elevations up to 9,000 feet.
The ash-throated flycatcher can be aggressive and will evict other residents like woodpeckers or mountain bluebirds to claim a nest site. The female builds the nest using grasses, twigs, bark and even cow manure. She then lines the nest with animal hair and fur.
Be sure to watch and listen for this attractive flycatcher when walking or hiking throughout New Mexico.