Brown-crested Flycatcher

2020 J. Feenstra

Brown-crested Flycatcher

This was first found in mid-December, 2019, at the South Coast Botanic Gardens, but was unidentified. Photos were missing critical views of the undertail. It was found again a couple weeks later, identification confirmed, then was seen by many in the following few weeks.

More photos, different angles

Identifying Myiarchus flycatchers is a challenge, with voice often being the best and final decider. Between Brown-crested and smaller Ash-throated Flycatchers (in adults, anyway) look for the rufous-brown color extending the full length of the outer tail feathers, all the way to the tip. Ash-throated has a darker brown tongue that wraps around cutting the rufous off. Check out the photos below of the Brown-crested Flycatcher to see what I'm talking about.

2020 J. Feenstra

Perched and facing away.

2020 J. Feenstra

In flight with tail spread.

2020 J. Feenstra

Perched. Tail color pattern visible.

2020 J. Feenstra

Perched in profile.

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