Great Crested Flycatcher

A boisterous run of prrreet notes rolls by with a coarse, gravelly edge.

Breeds across eastern and central Canada and the United States, from southern Manitoba and Nova Scotia south to the Gulf Coast. Winters from southern Florida through Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America to northern South America.

Mature deciduous and mixed woodlands, wooded edges, parks, orchards, and shaded suburban areas with tall trees. Requires natural cavities or old woodpecker holes for nesting.

Long-distance migrant. Returns to breeding areas in late April–May, raises one brood through summer, and departs August–September. On winter range, relatively sedentary but may wander locally following fruit crops.

The Great Crested Flycatcher is a large, bright eastern Myiarchus with a gray throat, lemon belly, and warm rufous flashes in the wings and tail. It hunts from high woodland perches and usually announces itself with a ringing wheeep before you spot it.