The Great Crested Flycatcher is an aggressive Tyrant Flycatcher, nesting in a variety of woodland and suburban habitats.
From exposed perches it searches for insects and vigorously defends its territory against intruders. Most of the Great Crested Flycatcher's diet consists of flying insects, such as beetles, flies, wasps, katydids, and dragonflies, although fruits of the elderberry, wild cherry, and blackberry are eaten by both adults and young.
It is the one and only flycatcher that breeds in Florida.
The Great Crested Flycatcher is the only eastern flycatcher that nests in holes.
An unusual habit is its frequent use of shed snake skins in its nest lining. Whether this is intended to frighten off predators or merely decorate the nest is not known.
They spend much of their time perched on treetops and prefer to fly from place to place on the ground rather than walk or hop.
I found this one in my backyard during a rare moment on the ground taking a dust (sand) bath.
Polk County, Florida.
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