The Great Crested Flycatcher is a cavity-nesting flycatcher of eastern deciduous forests, famous for its habit of incorporating shed snakeskin into its nest — possibly as a predator deterrent. Its explosive 'wheep!' call from the forest canopy is a signature sound of summer woodlands. The combination of rufous tail, yellow belly, and gray-brown head makes it distinctive.
Best time to see a Great Crested Flycatcher
The best time to see a Great Crested Flycatcher is April–June, when about 74% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 23,592 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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