The species of the genus Empidonax are so similar in appearance that only an expert can tell them apart by sight alone. The Alder and Willow were once considered a single species ("Traill's Flycatcher"). During the breeding season each species lives in its characteristic habitat, but during migration birders may encounter birds of different species in a habitat in which they are not usually found. Thus, the only sure way to identify breeding males is by their voices, which are different in each species. In other seasons when males do not sing, all that can readily be told is that they are Empidonax flycatchers.

description 6" (15 cm). Slightly smaller than a House Sparrow. Dull gray-green above, whitish below, with 2 dull white wing bars and narrow white eye ring (often not noticeable). Distinguishable from Alder Flycatcher only by voice, breeding habitat, and nest. Other western Empidonax flycatchers have more conspicuous eye ring or are grayer above.

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