Watercolor portrait of Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus
In the United States, it is a local bree… Look for it in dry, open woodlands with… Uncommon Rolling territorial song

Learn to identify the Brown-crested Flycatcher by ear. Master the "wheer-up, wheeer!" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“wheer-up, wheeer!”

What the Brown-crested Flycatcher sounds like

This big flycatcher looks sun-baked and dusty brown above, with a pale gray chest and a warm cinnamon-buff belly. Watch for rich rusty flashes in the tail and wings when it flicks, hops, or darts out after insects. It often sits upright and alert, then launches in a quick burst to snatch prey from the air.

“wheer-up, wheeer!”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, rolling phrase that carries across dry woods. It sounds brisk, ringing, and a little scratchy at the end. Often written as “wheer-up, wheeer!”.
Don't confuse with:The Ash-throated Flycatcher — ash-throated is smaller and paler overall, with a lighter yellow wash below.

Where you'll hear it

Look for it in dry, open woodlands with scattered trees and dense brush. In the U.S., it favors mesquite thickets, thorn scrub, desert edges, and streamside groves in the Southwest and south Texas.

Spring brings sharp, ringing calls as birds return to nesting territories and inspect cavities. Summer is the easiest time to find them in the U.S., while fall migrants slip south and winter birds are mostly farther south.

Similar species

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Ash-throated is smaller and paler overall, with a lighter yellow wash below.

Great Crested Flycatcher

Great Crested usually shows brighter yellow underparts and a stronger contrast between throat and belly.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Dusky-capped is smaller, shorter-billed, and darker capped.

Brown-crested Flycatcher song FAQ

What does a Brown-crested Flycatcher sound like?
A loud, rolling phrase that carries across dry woods. It sounds brisk, ringing, and a little scratchy at the end. Listen for the "wheer-up, wheeer!" phrase.
How do I tell a Brown-crested Flycatcher from a Ash-throated Flycatcher by sound?
Ash-throated Flycatcher: Ash-throated is smaller and paler overall, with a lighter yellow wash below.; Brown-crested has a heavier bill and richer cinnamon tones, especially on the belly and in the tail.; Brown-crested often looks bulkier and warmer-colored in good light..
When is the best time to hear a Brown-crested Flycatcher?
Spring brings sharp, ringing calls as birds return to nesting territories and inspect cavities. Summer is the easiest time to find them in the U.S., while fall migrants slip south and winter birds are mostly farther south.