Bird · GBIF taxon 2483597
Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitusAlso known as Crested Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatchers dominate the upper canopy of eastern deciduous forests, recognizable by bright yellow bellies, rufous tail feathers, and loud 'whee-eep' calls. These vocal insectivores famously weave shed snake skins into their tree-cavity nests to deter potential nest predators. Highly territorial during the breeding season, they sally forth from high perches to snap up large flying insects mid-air.
InsectivoreMigratorySongbird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Beetles
- Moths
- Dragonflies
Predators
- Hawks
- Owls
- Snakes
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, pesticide exposure
HabitatsDeciduous forests, open woodlands, forest edges
Life span5 to 9 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyTyrannidae
- GenusMyiarchus
- SpeciesMyiarchus crinitus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Listening: Scan high canopy perches when hearing their distinct rising call.
- Nest Boxes: Mount deep wooden nest boxes high on mature woodland trees.
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