great crested flycatcher
The Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive crested head and yellow belly. Here is some information on this bird and tips on how to attract them to your yard:
Size and Appearance: The Great Crested Flycatcher is about 8-9 inches long with a wingspan of 13-14 inches. They have a brownish-olive back, gray throat, and a bright yellow belly. Their crest is a distinguishing feature, with a bright yellow underside and brown upper surface.
Habitat: Great Crested Flycatchers can be found in deciduous forests throughout the eastern United States. They also inhabit wooded suburban areas with mature trees and shrubs.
Diet: Great Crested Flycatchers primarily feed on insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and dragonflies. They are also known to eat small reptiles and fruit.
Nesting: Great Crested Flycatchers nest in tree cavities, such as old woodpecker holes or natural crevices in trees. They also use nest boxes, which can be a great way to attract them to your yard.
Nest Box Placement: If you want to provide a nesting site for Great Crested Flycatchers, a nest box can be a great option. Here are some tips for placing a nest box:
The box should be mounted on a tree or post, at a height of 10-20 feet above the ground.
The entrance hole should be 2.25 inches in diameter, which is large enough for Great Crested Flycatchers but too small for larger birds and predators.
The box should be in a wooded area, with mature trees and shrubs nearby for perching and foraging opportunities.
The box should be away from human activity and disturbance, as Great Crested Flycatchers can be sensitive to disturbance during nesting season.
The box should be checked periodically to make sure it is still in good condition and has not been taken over by other animals.
To attract Great Crested Flycatchers to your yard, you can also try the following:
Provide perching and foraging opportunities. Great Crested Flycatchers are perching birds and can often be seen perched high in trees, scanning for insects. Providing perching and foraging opportunities, such as a variety of trees and shrubs with different heights and textures, can attract them to your yard.
Offer food sources. Great Crested Flycatchers are attracted to areas with abundant food sources, such as bird feeders with mealworms or suet. Planting native trees and shrubs that produce fruit, such as dogwood and cherry, can also provide a natural food source for these birds.
Provide a water source. Great Crested Flycatchers need access to water for drinking and bathing. Adding a birdbath or small pond to your yard can provide a suitable water source for these birds.
By following these tips, you can attract Great Crested Flycatchers to your yard and provide a safe and suitable nesting site for them. They are an interesting bird to watch, with their unique calls and hunting behavior.
