Of the three similar crested flycatchers in the west, this is the largest. Bent Life History for the Great Crested Flycatcher - the common name and sub-species reflect the nomenclature in use at the time the description was written. This bird usually weighs between 27–40 g . The parents were been busy catching various insects/spiders to feed the chicks. Notice snake skin and cellophane. Great Crested Flycatcher are common, large, brightly colored flycatchers—but they spend much of their day very high in the leafy canopy of deciduous woods. When they aren’t calling, or moving in and out of a birdhouse, they can be overlooked. The birder who pursues and sees the bird is likely to be impressed; this species is much more colorful than most flycatchers in the east. They are wonderful birds to have around. The great crested flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is a large insect-eating bird of the tyrant flycatcher family. Eggs usually hatch over a 1-2 day period. The white and brown egg in center is from a Cowbird. Adult Great Crested Flycatchers usually measure between 17–21 cm in length with a wingspan of around 34 cm . It dwells mostly in the treetops and rarely is found on the ground. Information about the classification of crinitus. Includes facts, pictures and articles. Its habit of hunting high in the canopy means it’s not particularly conspicuous—until you learn its very distinctive call, an emphatic rising whistle. Flycatchers can be astonishingly distinctive or frustratingly plain, and many species are so similar that even experienced birders can be perplexed by their identifications. But they may seem rare because not everybody sees them. It is more easily heard than seen, its rolling calls echoing through the woods. I always had them nesting in bird houses when I lived in north … It is the most widespread member of the genus Myiarchus in North America, and is found over most of the eastern and mid-western portions of the continent. The young will leave the nest in 3 days and the flycatchers will disappear for the rest of the year although occasionally their calls can be heard. The same thing goes for those annoying flying ants. I am real happy your great crested flycatchers are back and nesting! Great Crested Flycatchers tend to nest at the same site every year. A Kingbird ready to take flight, Griggs Reservoir Park. I find it relaxing and exciting at the same time to catch a good shot of these little birds. Great Crested Flycatchers are heard more often than seen, Griggs Reservoir Park. Not the best angle, but I thought he was pretty. Great Crested Flycatcher: The GCFL usually nests in clearings and edges of mature forest, orchards, parks, swamps, and cultivated areas scattered with trees.