Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Great Crested Flycatcher

Queeep! Wheeeep! or Krreeep! 

The Great Crested Flycatcher is common in mature deciduous forests, woodlots, shrubby habitat, old orchards, or parks usually found foraging for insects and berries from mid- or upper story branches.  Rarely in the open, this is a large and secretive flycatcher who still takes pride in sallying for insects.

Seen before it is heard, this large flycatcher arrives in Oklahoma in early April.  It is unmistakable with a bright sulphur belly and rufous wings and tail, located in eastern and central parts of our fine state.

                                                             
                                                               Great Crested Flycatcher
                                                               Boomer Lake Park, 2016

This cavity nester will use snags, birdhouses, live trees, and many manmade structures for nesting purposes from May through June.  Usually single brooded, the female will build the nest and  incubate, yet both sexes will handle the care of the young.  This insectivore is rarely located on the ground.  These birds tend to weave unusual items into their nests like snakeskin or plastic, simply because they can do so and find them out of the ordinary.  The former nest snag pictured above is no longer standing.  It met its demise a couple of years ago in a storm.

In the east, where most of these birds breed, males tend to congregate for roosting, but will arrive at the nest cavity shortly after sunrise to handle feeding the young birds.  Some of these roost sites in a large, old territory can have a couple of hundred unmated females and unsuccessful breeders.  As soon as the young are old enough to do so, they will also join these groups.

Usually avoiding coniferous forests, like those found in the boreal forest, the great crested favors second growth forest with open canopy landscape.  They enjoy many insects and spiders, and will consume fruit and berries to a smaller degree.

If you wish to attract a pair of these beautiful and unusual birds to your yard with the correct habitat, simply have a 1 3/4 inch hole in your bluebird nest box.  You can easily obtain a proper sized spade bit or hole saw for the job.

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/fruits-of-their-labors.html

https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/potpourri-for-birding-soul.html

The above links shows more photos of  Great Crested Flycatchers with other birds seen that day!