Flycatcher (Ash-Throated)

A common flycatcher of open dry areas of the West, the Ash-throated Flycatcher nests in holes in trees, fence posts, and nest boxes. The use of artificial structures may have offset the loss of natural nest sites by development, and may be responsible for an increase in numbers.

Unlike most members of its species, the Ash-throated Flycatcher only occasionally uses snakeskin in its nest. Only 5% of nests examined contained reptile skin, but 98% had mammal hair. Rabbit fur was the most frequently used. The Desert Cottontail is very common in Arizona. (Pheonix, AZ).