The Biology Zone
  • Home
  • Discover the Zone
  • News
  • Animalia
    • Birds >
      • Avian Taxonomy
      • Bird Species Profiles
    • Mammals >
      • Mammal Species Profiles
    • Reptiles
    • Amphibians >
      • Frog and Toad Species Profiles
    • Fish
    • Arthropods >
      • Arthropod Species Profiles
  • Plantae
    • Eastern Plant Identification Guide
  • Fungi
    • Fungi Species Profiles
  • Protista
  • An Introduction to Scientific Classification and Naming
  • Conservation
  • Cell Phone Ringtones
  • Information on CDs, Recordings, and Other Projects
  • Video Clips
  • Birding In Your Backyard
  • Nature Inspired Recipes
  • Resources
  • Links
  • Birds in the Classroom
  • About Me
  • Store
  • Discussion Forums

Great Crested Flycatcher


Picture
The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is in the family of Tyrant Flycatchers.  It is 9 inches in length, brown above with a gray throat, yellow belly, reddish-brown wings and tail, and tan at the base of the lower mandible.  This bird also has a slight crest.  


The Great Crested Flycatcher is found in open forest areas, orchards, and in farmlands if there are large trees present.  It spends most of its time in treetops and spends very little time on the ground.  It does not hop or walk like some other bird species do, preferring instead to flit from place to place when it is on the ground.  


This is a cavity nesting flycatcher; in fact, it is the only flycatcher in the east that nests in cavities.  It often uses shed snake skins, plastic, or other bits of crinkly material to line its nest.  It typically feeds on insects or other small invertebrates and will occasionally eat some fruits.


The voice of the Great Crested Flycatcher is a loud, whistling, wheep!  It also makes a call that sounds like it is saying, Great, great, great, great  or Wh-at?


Click here for a range map and additional information.


Click on the player below to hear the Great Crested Flycatcher.