The crested flycatcher is a medium-sized songbird that is known for its distinctive call. This bird gets its name from the crest of feathers on its head and its insect-catching behavior. The crested flycatcher has a very recognizable vocalization that helps birdwatchers identify it.
Call Description
The most well-known vocalization of the crested flycatcher sounds like “wheep” or “weep.” It is a loud, whistled call that starts high and slides down in pitch. This call is often repeated several times in a row, sounding like “wheep, wheep, wheep.”
The “wheep” call of the crested flycatcher is very distinctive. It is louder and more whistled than the call of many other flycatchers. Often the bird sits upright on an exposed perch to give its call added projection.
Here are some key identifiers of the crested flycatcher’s “wheep” call:
- Loud volume
- Whistled quality
- Starts high and slides down in pitch
- Often repeated multiple times
- Distinctive and recognizable
The bird may also sometimes just give a single “wheep,” but more often the call is repeated multiple times. This repeating call carries well through the bird’s forested habitat.
Call Context
Crested flycatchers give their “wheep” call most often in the spring and early summer during the breeding season. The call is used to establish a breeding territory and attract a mate.
Males start singing their loud call as soon as they return to their breeding grounds in spring. They sing repeatedly while sitting on a high perch, often choosing a dead tree or branch. The male will sing for hours each day, advertising his nest site to females.
Once paired, the male and female may sing duets, calling back and forth. The male continues singing regularly when the female is incubating eggs and brooding nestlings. He also uses the call to communicate with his mate and defend the territory.
By late summer, crested flycatchers stop loudly calling as frequently. But short whistled calls can still be heard into the fall during migration.
Variations
The crested flycatcher has a second call – a “whine” or “weep.” This call is given year-round but is especially common during migration and winter. It is a drawn-out single note that slides up slightly in pitch.
The “whine” call is not as loud or carrying as the repetitive “wheep” call. It sounds like a soft, mournful whistle. This call is given in a series of a few notes at a time.
Other variations of the crested flycatcher’s call may include:
- A lower-pitched “whee-oop”
- A harsh “whit” call used during aggression or disturbance
- A fast chatter or squeal during high excitement
Nestlings may give a hissing beg for food. But in general, the crested flycatcher’s most common and recognizable vocalization is the loud, whistled “wheep” call that carries through the woods.
Identification Tips
Here are some tips for identifying the crested flycatcher by its call:
- Listen for a loud, ringing “wheep” in mature woodlands.
- Note the whistled, sliding quality that goes high to low in pitch.
- Listen for repeated calling, often 4-5 times in a row.
- Watch for the bird calling from a high, exposed perch.
- Remember the breeding season is the most vocal period.
- Distinguish from the “whine” call used during migration.
The crested flycatcher’s call carries well through deciduous and mixed forests. Listen for this bird calling repeatedly from treetops in spring and early summer. With practice, birders can learn to readily identify the crested flycatcher by its signature call.
Sound Clips
Here are some video recordings of the crested flycatcher calling so you can hear its distinct vocalizations:
Notice the loud, whistled “wheep” calls and how they are repeated in a series. This is the classic vocalization of the crested flycatcher. Listen for it in spring and summer when you are out birdwatching.
Similar Species
Some other flycatcher species have calls that sound similar to the crested flycatcher. Here is how to distinguish them by sound:
| Species | Call Description | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern phoebe | “Fee-bee” call | Lower pitch, not as loud, not whistled |
| Eastern wood-pewee | “Pee-ah-wee” call | More drawn-out, plaintive sound |
| Western wood-pewee | “Pee-yer” call | Faster, more abrupt call |
| Willow flycatcher | “Fit-biz-bew” call | Harsher, buzzier tone |
Taking note of the details of each call will help distinguish the crested flycatcher from other similar sounding species. With practice, it becomes easier to recognize the unique voice of the crested flycatcher.
Conclusion
The crested flycatcher has a very signature call that helps identify this bird. Its most common vocalization is a loud, whistled “wheep” that is repeated multiple times. This call carries well through the bird’s forested habitat during the spring breeding season.
Birders can listen for the crested flycatcher calling “wheep, wheep, wheep” from a high tree branch or snag. Its call is louder and more whistled than many other flycatchers. Now that you know the key features of the crested flycatcher’s sound, grab your binoculars and head out to listen for this bird!
