by Cin-Ty Lee
published 2024

The identification of flycatchers can be a daunting challenge for even the most seasoned birder. The Field Guide to North American Flycatchers series takes bird identification to an entirely new level by training readers to observe subtle differences in structure, color patterns, and vocalizations before delving into the finer details of a particular species.

Because the plumages of flycatchers are so similar, this innovative guide uses illustrations that highlight slight variations among species that photos often miss. One of the last frontiers of bird identification is now accessible to everyone—once one knows what to look for.

Uses a holistic approach that makes flycatcher identification possible even for beginners
Features a wealth of beautiful illustrations that depict every species in North America
Shows how to observe subtle differences in structure, plumage contrasts, and vocalizations, which together create a distinctive overall impression of the bird
Includes detailed audio spectrograms and seasonal distribution maps for each species
Shares invaluable tips for successful identification in all kinds of field settings
Compact and field-friendly—the ideal travel companion for any birder

This guide is dedicated to kingbirds and Myiarchus flycatchers. Combined with the first volume in this identification series, which focuses on Empidonax flycatchers and pewees, these companion guides are the most comprehensive and accessible treatments of flycatcher identification to date.


Cin-Ty Lee is a geologist in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Rice University. Andrew Birch is an artist who has provided illustrations for numerous bird identification articles and books