As spring gave way to summer, and as numerous bird species began to nest, many-a-challenger approached the windows of my house. Among them were goldfinches, kingbirds, and sparrows, looking to defend their territory from the menacing rival found in the reflection of the window. But the most frequent bird challenging its shadowy counterpart was the Great Crested Flycatcher. After hearing many repetitive thuds against the window, I spotted the hovering flycatcher darting back and forth, and pecking at the window with some force. Luckily, these attacks are nowhere near as dangerous as flying into a window at speed, so I don’t believe these birds are sustaining much damage from their trials. But it’s certainly not doing them any good, so I draped flagging across the windows receiving the most attention, and that seemed to mostly do the trick. I determined the flycatchers had made a nest on the downspout of the gutter of my house, and so to them, the bird found through the window was disrespectfully close to this prime nest spot.
A Great Crested Flycatcher builds a nest in a tree cavity (photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren).
This choice of nesting spot suggests a level of adaptability and comfort around humans, and indeed, the Great Crested Flycatcher has been known to nest even in buckets and cans, in addition to its most typical location—tree cavities. Needing only a few trees to set up shop, they can be found in small stands of trees and fence rows, as well as savannas and closed canopy woodlands.
At Faville Grove, they’re easier to hear than see, unless they’re fighting their reflection in my window. Listen for their distinctive wheep coming from the woods, and you may be able to see one perched atop a branch, or deftly catching its meals in mid-air.
Written by Tucker Sanborn, Faville Grove Sanctuary land steward
Cover photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. A Great Crested Flycatcher holds nesting material in its bill while perched on a branch.
