Audubon Traill's Flycatcher Songbird Notebook

This stunning depiction features Trail's Flycatcher, also known as the Willow Flycatcher or Willow Thatcher, perched delicately on a sweetgum branch. Captured in plate 45 of John James Audubon’s Birds of America series, this reproduction celebrates the humble beauty and complexity of this small, grey, white, and brown bird, which is about the size of a Robin. Traill's Flycatcher is easily mistaken for its close relatives, the Wood Pewee and the Small Green Crested Flycatcher, due to their strikingly similar appearance. However, its distinct notes and unique habits set it apart. Audubon remarked on the careful inspection required to differentiate this species from others, emphasising the importance of its call and behaviour in identification. The bird is perched on a sweetgum branch, easily recognised by its deeply cracked bark and the sweet aroma of its sap. The sweetgum’s presence adds texture and depth to this elegant composition, complementing the natural hues of the flycatcher. This species, nearly identical in appearance to the Alder Flycatcher, can be safely identified only by its voice. Its understated colours and gentle presence evoke a sense of calm, making this artwork a serene and timeless addition to any space.