Brown-crested Flycatcher

Brown-crested Flycatcher
The Brown-crested Flycatcher is a large flycatcher, olive above and yellow below with cinnamon in its wings and tail. Its larger size, black bill and brighter sulphur-yellow belly distinguish it from the Ash-throated Flycatcher. The Great Crested Flycatcher has brighter underparts and a brown, not blackish, lower mandible. The song of the Brown-crested Flycatcher is a burry purreeeer, a sharp wit! or way-burg.

The Brown-crested Flycatcher eats beetles, other flying insects and some wild berries and fruits. It builds its nest in abandoned woodpecker holes in saguaro or in cavities in cottonwoods, sycamores, mesquite or old fence posts 5 to 30 feet above the ground. It will sometimes nest in bird houses.

The Brown-crested Flycatcher breeds from southern California, southern Nevada, central Arizona and southern Texas southward. It winters mainly south of the U.S.-Mexico border, but a few winter in southern Florida. It prefers arid lands in areas with cacti or large trees.
Brown-crested Flycatcher Range Map