Great-crested flycatcher

The great-crested flycatcher is the state's largest flycatcher at about 8 to 9 inches long. It has a yellow belly, gray breast, olive green back and rusty red tail and wing feathers. If alarmed it will show a prominent head crest. These birds nest in tree cavities such as old woodpecker holes, manmade nesting boxes and hollow fences. A nest was even found in the barrel of a cannon in Gettysburg National Military Park. Along with grass, bark strips and feathers, males and females will use a shed snakeskin or cellophane scraps in their nesting material. Experts think this may aid in deterring nest predators.

The insect eater migrates to areas south of the U.S. for the winter.

E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend!

Become a Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Member

 View the winning WPC Daily for April - makes a great screen wallpaper/calendar for June

Choose your favorite WPC Daily for May