Short-crested Flycatcher vs Brown-crested Flycatcher

In short

The Short-crested Flycatcher and Brown-crested Flycatcher are both medium-sized Myiarchus flycatchers with similar plumage, but they can be distinguished by their vocalizations and subtle structural differences. Observers should focus on the bill size and voice for reliable identification.

Identification tips

• Bill size: Brown-crested Flycatcher has a larger, more robust bill.
• Voice: Listen for the Brown-crested's distinctive 'whit-will-do' call.
• Habitat: Note the presence of arid environments with cacti for Brown-crested.
• Plumage: Look for subtle differences in head color and throat contrast.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Brown-crested Flycatcher tends to be slightly larger overall.

Plumage

Plumage is similar in both species, featuring olive-brown upperparts and pale yellow underparts. However, the Short-crested Flycatcher may exhibit a slightly grayer head and less contrast between the throat and breast.

Behaviour

Both species are canopy dwellers and often sally from perches to catch insects, showing similar foraging behavior.

Habitat

Both species inhabit open woodlands and forest edges, but the Brown-crested Flycatcher is more likely to be found in arid regions with large trees or cacti.

Voice

Vocalizations are a key differentiator: the Brown-crested Flycatcher's call is typically a loud, rolling 'whit-will-do,' while the Short-crested Flycatcher has a more varied repertoire with less distinctive calls.