Empidonax minimus, known as the Least Flycatcher, is a small passerine bird with olive-gray plumage, a white eye ring, and a distinctive 'che-bek' call. It inhabits open woodlands and edges across North America. Notable for its agile aerial insect hunting, it plays a crucial role in pest control.

The Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) is native to North America. Its geographical distribution primarily includes the northeastern and central parts of the United States and southern Canada during the breeding season. The species migrates to Central America, particularly Mexico, and northern regions of South America for the winter.

During the breeding season, the Least Flycatcher inhabits deciduous and mixed forests, often preferring areas with dense understory and open canopy. It is commonly found in woodlands, orchards, and sometimes in urban parks with adequate tree coverage. The climate in these regions is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters. During winter migration, the species inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, including woodland edges and semi-open areas.

The Least Flycatcher is a small insectivorous bird that plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations. It feeds on a variety of flying insects, which it catches in mid-air using a behavior known as 'sallying.' Its ecological niche involves being an active forager in the mid-canopy layer of forests, contributing to the biodiversity and health of its habitat by managing insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators.