The Great Crested Flycatcher
breeds east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and in
some southern portions of Canada. Great Crested Flycatchers
inhabit mature deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests,
preferring to nest in the clearings and edges of wooded areas,
orchards, parks, swamps and cultivated areas scattered with
trees. The breeding season may begin anywhere from mid-March to
mid-June, depending upon the latitude. Often competing with
European Starlings for nest sites, Great Crested Flycatchers nest
in deep, natural tree cavities, deserted woodpecker holes and
nest boxes. Nests are found in a variety of tree species from 3
to 70 feet above the ground, although most are below 20 feet.
Great Crested Flycatchers exhibit extreme site fidelity and
return to the same nest site season after season. The Flycatcher
House should be mounted 3 to 20 feet high on a post or tree at
the edge of the woods. |
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| Adult Great Crested Flycatchers have a bushy crest and dark, olive underparts. The throat, breast, and flanks are gray; the belly and undertail are bright yellow; and the tail is rusty. There is an olive band on the upper breast. Juveniles look essentially like the adults, but the colors are somewhat muted. This species of flycatcher breeds east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and in some southern portions of Canada. Great Crested Flycatchers inhabit mature deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous forests, preferring to nest in the clearings and edges of wooded areas, orchards, parks, swamps, and cultivated areas scattered with trees. Feeding high in the canopy, this species "hawks" not only flies, but also beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, crickets, bees, and katydids. Great Crested Flycatchers also glean insects from tree bark and feed on small fruits as well. There is no information on pair formation in this species. Great Crested Flycatchers exhibit site fidelity, and tend to nest in the same site year after year. Pairs defend their territories against other species that might prey upon or harass their young, such as woodpeckers and squirrels. |
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