Myiarchus crinitus
The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is a vibrant and vocal avian inhabitant of eastern North American forests, recognized by its distinctive rufous tail and wing panels, contrasted with an olive-brown back, gray throat and breast, and a lemon-yellow belly. Averaging 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing 30-40 grams, this species often exhibits a subtle crest that lends to its name. A key field mark, besides the rufous, is its loud, emphatic "WHEEP!" call, a hallmark of su...
Primarily inhabits deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, open woodlands, and forest edges, favoring mature stands with ample snags and large trees. Typically found at low to mid-elevations, avoiding dense undergrowth.
Feeds primarily on large insects such as flies, moths, butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and cicadas, caught by sallying from a perch. Supplements its diet with some berries and small fruits, especially during migration and on wintering grounds.
Great Crested Flycatchers are diurnal predators, often observed perched conspicuously at mid-canopy level, sallying out to snatch flying insects in mid-air (hawking) or gleaning them from foliage and bark. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, defending their nesting areas with...
The Great Crested Flycatcher exhibits a broad breeding range across eastern and central North America, extending from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Maritimes) south throughout the eastern United States to northern Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Its western breeding limit reaches eastern Te...
Least Concern
- The Great Crested Flycatcher is famous for lining its nest with a shed snake skin, a behavior unique among North American birds, though the purpose is still debated (possibly predator deterrence or camouflage). - It is the only large flycatcher in eastern North America to have significant rufou...