Ash-throated Flycatchers can survive on tiny amounts of water. They routinely live in arid country where other flycatchers can't.
Like their cousin the Great Crested Flycatcher, they often weave snake skin or plastic strips into the nest lining.
They're the most abundant cavity-nesting bird in many southwestern desert habitats.
If you live in the arid Southwest with scattered trees, Ash-throated Flycatchers are easy nest-box tenants.
Mount a 1½" hole box 8–20 ft up on a tree, telephone pole, or fence post in semi-open country.
Insects only.
Scattered mature trees (mesquite, cottonwood, oak) for hunting perches.
European Starlings compete in some areas; rural sites have fewer issues.
Don't site in dense urban areas; they prefer arid scrubby country.
A southwestern cavity-nesting flycatcher of arid country, breeding from Oregon to Texas and wintering in Mexico.
Common breeder throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Local breeder in eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and southern Idaho.
Winters in lowland deciduous forest and thornscrub from Sonora south to Oaxaca.
Deserts, mesquite thickets, oak savanna, and cottonwood riparian groves. They thrive in arid landscapes other cavity-nesters can't tolerate.
Body sized to 6"×6" floor. The 1½" panel locks out larger nest competitors while letting the Ash-throated Flycatcher pass cleanly.
Shop the lineupOften weaves snakeskin, hair, or plastic strips into the nest. Leave it; it's normal.