I Have a Great Crested Flycatcher in My Yard!

I was so surprised to have a Great Crested Flycatcher in my yard this year. JT ~St. Johns, MI

That's great! The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is often hard to spot even though it's one of the most colorful of flycatchers, with a bright yellow belly. They spend much of their time perched on treetops making a loud, insistent "wheep!", "prrrrrrrrrreeeet", "wheeep" calls.

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These cavity-nesting birds are found in Michigan from early May to mid-September. They will nest in old woodpecker nests, natural tree cavities or birdhouses. According to the Birds of Michigan book by Ted Black, the Great Crested Flycatcher has an interesting practice of decorating the entrance of its nest with a shed snakeskin or a clear plastic wrapper, perhaps to scare away predators.

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They can flycatch from mid-air, on branches, or the ground. They will eat a variety of large insects, including beetles, crickets, katydids, caterpillars, moths, and butterflies. They also eat fruits and berries. At your feeder they may be looking for mealworms.

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Thanks for sharing!