The Brown-crested Flycatcher is one of several confusing, similar-looking flycatcher species with obvious crests and yellow on their bellies. Parts of the Brown-crested Flycatcher's range overlap with the similar Dusky-capped Flycatcher, the Ash-throated Flycatcher, and the Great Crested Flycatcher. The Brown-crested is the largest of the group, but size differences are minimal and aren't a reliable field mark. The songs are different and can be used to help differentiate the species.
Habitat
In the United States portion of their range, they can be found in riparian woodlands, dry open woodlands, and saguaro cactus deserts.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects, but they will also sometimes take small vertebrates such as small lizards and young birds. They will also feed on fruits and berries.
Behavior
Forages by observing from a perch and flying out and capturing insects in mid-air or by hovering and gleaning insects from foliage or tree branches. They will sometimes also feed on the ground.
Nesting
The nest of a Brown-crested Flycatcher is in a tree cavity, either an old woodpecker hole or a natural cavity. They will also nest in cavities in giant cacti. The nesting cavity is lined with grasses, feathers, animal hair, and other material. The female usually lays 4 or 5 eggs, and she alone incubates them. When the eggs hatch, both parents help feed the young. The young fledge after about 2 weeks.
Song
The Brown-crested Flycatcher is best identified by its loud, sharp "whit" call, which is lower in pitch than its relatives. Its song is a rough, rolling series of burry phrases.
Click to hear the song of a Brown-crested Flycatcher
Click here to hear the whit call of a Brown-crested Flycatcher
Migration
Considered a permanent resident in much of their tropical range in Mexico, Central America, and South America. In the United States, they are but summer breeding residents.
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Brown-crested Flycatcher sightings
Similar Species
In range, most likely to be confused with the Dusky-capped Flycatcher , Ash-throated Flycatcher , or Great Crested Flycatcher. To differentiate these flycatchers, first separate them by size: the Dusky Flycatcher is small and grayish with a distinct white eyering, while the others are larger with yellow bellies. Among the larger trio, the Great-crested has the brightest yellow belly and a pinkish bill base, the Brown-crested has a massive all-black bill, and the Ash-throated is the palest, showing a washed-out yellow or whitish belly.
Conservation Status
Populations are found over a wide geographic area and may be increasing. The IUCN lists the Brown-crested Flycatcher as a species of "Least Concern".
Further Information
- eBird - Brown-crested Flycatcher
- Audubon Field Guide - Brown-crested Flycatcher
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Brown-crested Flycatcher
Photo Information
Photo taken on April 21st, 2014 - Tucson, Arizona - Terry Sohl
