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Pacific-slope Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

Floor
6" × 6"
Interior height
5"
Mount height
8–15 ft
Breeds
May–Aug
Broods / yr
1–2
Cool Facts

Things you didn't know about the Pacific-slope Flycatcher

01

Pacific-slope Flycatchers and Cordilleran Flycatchers are nearly identical sister species — only voice and DNA distinguish them.

02

Their position-defining ascending 'pweet' call is one of the most common sounds of Pacific Coast forests in summer.

03

They construct moss-rich cup nests in shaded crotches and on artificial ledges, often returning to the same spot for years.

Attract Them

How to bring the Pacific-slope Flycatcher to your yard

If you live in the shade of West Coast conifer or oak forest, a covered ledge near water can host a pair.

Box placement

Mount the open shelf 6–12 ft up in deep shade — under porch eaves, against a shaded wall, or under a pergola in a forested yard.

Water

A garden stream, pond, or fountain is a strong draw. They're never far from moist habitat.

Food

Aerial insects only — no feeders.

Cover & landscaping

Tall conifers and shaded canopy nearby; they avoid sun-exposed yards.

Avoid

Don't bother in suburban areas without forest within 100 yards; they need adjacent forest cover.

Range & Habitat

Where you'll find them

The coastal sister of the Cordilleran Flycatcher, breeding from southern Alaska down through the Pacific states.

By region
  • Pacific Northwest & California (breeding)

    Common breeder in coastal forests from southeast Alaska through BC, Washington, Oregon, and California.

  • Mexico (winter)

    Winters along the Pacific slope of Mexico south to Oaxaca.

Habitat preferences

Shaded coastal forest — Douglas-fir, redwood, mixed evergreen — and riparian corridors. They favor cool, moist, low-light microhabitats.

under eaves moist forest near water outbuildings
Approximate range centroids — see the regional breakdown above for the specifics
Fledge Kit

The right house for the Pacific-slope Flycatcher

Open-Front Series

Open Shelf — Small

No entrance hole, no front wall — just a sheltered ledge. Includes drainage and the integrated mounting tab.

See the full lineup
Seasonal Care

When to install. When to clean.

Install by
By April
Cleaning
September

Long-distance migrant — winters in Mexico. One of the latest spring arrivals on the Pacific coast.