Common Nesting Birds

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Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)


Photo © Brian E. Kushner

Great Crested Flycatcher nest

Photo © RenĂ© Corado

Great Crested Flycatcher eggs

Photo © RenĂ© Corado

Photo © Jack & Holly Bartholmai / Macaulay Library

Photo © Ryan Schain / Macaulay Library

Photo © Scott Martin / Macaulay Library

Photo © Jonathan Pierce / Macaulay Library

Photo © heidi tarasiuk / Macaulay Library

Dawn song

© Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Brad Walker / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Ana Paula Oxom / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Wil Hershberger / Macaulay Library

Calls

© Martin Wall / Macaulay Library

When To Look

Source: Birds of the World

Where To Find It

Habitats

open woodland

river

town

Substrates

Nestbox or Birdhouse

Live Tree Cavity

Dead Tree Cavity

What You'll Find

Nest Type

cavity

Chick

Altricial

Clutch Size

4
8

Nest Height

70 ft
10 ft

Nesting Statistics

Incubation Period

13-15
days

Brooding Period

13-15
days

Useful Hints

  • Many, but not all, Great Crested Flycatcher nests contain shed snakeskin. Other crinkly materials, such as plastic wrappers, cellophane, and onion skin, may be used.
  • A variety of cavity types are selected for nest sites, from abandoned woodpecker holes to knot holes to nest boxes.
  • Both sexes inspect prospective nest sites, but the female does most if not all of the nest-building.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology