Great Crested Flycatcher
Myiarchus crinitus
This bird is famous for its 'interior decorating' habit of weaving shed snakeskin or pieces of clear plastic into its nest to deter predators.
- Scientific name
- Myiarchus crinitus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Tyrannidae › Myiarchus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, and mature leafy orchards.
- Diet
- Primarily insects such as beetles, dragonflies, and bees; also consumes small fruits and berries.
- Range
- Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, Mexico, Central America, Northern South America
- Size
- Length: 17-21 cm; Wingspan: 33 cm
- Lifespan
- 10-14 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Deforestation, loss of nesting cavities, and reduction of insect prey due to widespread pesticide use.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and elusive. Observe with binoculars from a distance to avoid disrupting their nesting sites. If you find a nest, do not touch it; they are sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season.
The great crested flycatcher ( Myiarchus crinitus ) is a large insect-eating bird of the tyrant flycatcher family. 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. It dwells mostly in the treetops and rarely is found on the ground.
Photo: Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago, CC0, via iNaturalist
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