Like other flycatchers in the genus Myiarchus, this species has a long tail and a large head with a short bushy crest. Two subspecies occur in North America. The western subspecies is noticeably larger with a larger bill. The eastern subspecies is smaller and nearly identical to Great Crested Flycatcher. The two species are best differentiated by voice. The upperparts are dull brownish-gray, with two pale wing bars, and rufous at the base of the primaries and on the inner webs of the tail feathers. The edges of the primaries and tertials are pale, but not white. The face is unmarked brownish gray, fading to pale gray on the throat and breast. The belly and undertail coverts are pale yellow. The bill is black, with a small hook, and may have a very small pale area at the base of the lower mandible. Juveniles are similar to adults, with rusty edges on wing bars and wing feather edges, and more extensive rufous in the tail.

Length: 18 (cm) Wingspan: 33 (cm)

Voice:

Song is a rolling krEEEEP wita-WEER. Call is a strong whip.

Habitat:

Riparian woods, cactus forest.

Behavior:

Nests in cavities created by larger woodpeckers.

Feeding:

Takes insects and occasionally fruit, rarely lizards and hummingbirds. Usually feeds fairly high in trees.