Flycatchers

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

A stout, large-headed flycatcher that perches on the very tops of tall snags and conifers, singing its emphatic "Quick, THREE BEERS!" song. It has a distinctive dark vest on white underparts.

Current regional viewing notes

Tops of tall dead snags and conifers near forest edges around Hoonah; listen for its unmistakable song from exposed perches.

Dataset note: This legacy field can be specific to Southeast Alaska/Hoonah and is not a complete statewide range statement.

Habitat

Forest edges, burned areas, bogs with scattered tall trees, and clearings with prominent snags.

Diet

Large flying insects — especially bees, wasps, and dragonflies — caught by aerial sallies from exposed perches.

Natural history note

The Olive-sided Flycatcher's song is commonly transliterated as "Quick, THREE BEERS!" — one of the most recognizable and easy-to-remember bird mnemonics.