Least Flycatchers in Northwest Territories
When least flycatchers are present in Northwest Territories, when they nest, which native Northwest Territories plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 0a–1a yard.
- Status in Northwest Territories
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 0a–1a
When to expect least flycatchers in Northwest Territories
Least Flycatchers are summer residents in Northwest Territories, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent.
Subarctic boreal forest in the south, Arctic tundra in the north.
Nesting in Northwest Territories
Across Northwest Territories, least flycatchers typically nest from June–July. Plan around that window: May for setup, July for clean-out.
Brief summers with midnight sun.
- Least Flycatchers don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as paper birch, chokecherry, balsam fir for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native Northwest Territories plants that attract least flycatchers
Of the regional native plants we track for Northwest Territories, these 7 provide food or cover least flycatchers use:
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.
Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.
Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.
Early catkins draw insects for arriving warblers and hummingbirds.
Catkin seed for redpolls on the tundra.
Feeding least flycatchers through the Northwest Territories year
- Top foods: None — shady second-growth woods are the draw.
- In Northwest Territories's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for least flycatchers · Best feeder for least flycatchers
Frequently asked
Are least flycatchers in Northwest Territories year-round?
No. Least Flycatchers are summer breeders in Northwest Territories and leave for the winter.
When do least flycatchers nest in Northwest Territories?
Nesting in Northwest Territories typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 3–6 eggs, incubated for 13–15 days.
What native plants attract least flycatchers in Northwest Territories?
Paper birch, Chokecherry, Balsam fir, White spruce, Tamarack, Willow (Bebb), Dwarf birch are native plants in Northwest Territories that provide food or cover for least flycatchers.
Least Flycatchers in other regions
Other backyard birds in Northwest Territories
Sources
- Least Flycatcher — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Least Flycatcher life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Least Flycatcher — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Northwest Territories
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.