Re: [cobirds] VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER at Stalker Lake, Yuma County 9/19/26

Derek and all,

This is another good lesson on waiting for better photos...

Thanks,

Josh Bruening

Currently Lewistown, Montana

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 20, 2026, at 7:24 AM, Derek Hill <derek.jackson.hill@gmail.com> wrote:

Josh
Looking in "Rare Birds of North America" by Howell, Lewington, Russell (2014 Princeton University Press), in the account for Piratic Flycatcher they write

"Similar Species: ... Variegated Flycatcher, another austral vagrant, is appreciably larger with longer bill (pinkish below at base), flattish crown slightly peaked at the nape (versus more rounded head of Piratic), slightly flared whitish eyebrow, bolder rufous edgings to uppertail coverts and tail, and paler underparts without bright yellow wash; often perches lower and in less open situations than Piratic."

They do not mention pale edges of any wing feathers as a field mark between these two species. In their illustrations of the two species side by side, Piratic is shown with quite crisp and bold white edges to wing coverts and remiges (as is Variegated).  BTW this book has awesome illustrations by Ian Lewington. A fantastic reference book

Good birding,
Derek Hill
currently OH

On Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 2:57:34 PM UTC-4 Josh Bruening wrote:

Daniel, et al.,

The white edging to the wing coverts and secondary stack eliminates Piratic.  Heckuva find!!!  Wish I could chase...

Josh Bruening

Currently Lewistown, MT

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 19, 2026, at 12:46 PM, Daniel Maynard <dma...@gmail.com> wrote:



Folks,

I found what appears to be a VARIEGATED FLYCATCHER at Stalker Lake in Yuma County. It's been in the area of (40.0866284, -102.2765109) for a while now, mostly perching high in olive snags. Mediocre iPhone photos below

Daniel Maynard

Ecologist

Grief Ritual Facilitator

971.237.3906
Denver, CO

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