This species is easily recognized by its black and white pattern and sputtering call. The upperparts are black, fading to dark gray on the back. Tertials and wing coverts have very narrow pale edges. The tail has an obvious white band at the tip. Underparts are white, with a pale gray band across the upper breast. The patch of orange-red crown feathers is usually hidden, and rarely seen in the field. Juveniles have buffy feather edges on the wings and more extensive gray on the breast and may be mistaken for an Eastern Phoebe.

Length: 19 (cm) Wingspan: 36 (cm)

Voice:

Song and calls consist of sputtering raspy notes with periodic accents.

Habitat:

Open habitats, often near water, including forest edges, savannah, riparian corridors, golf courses, parks.

Behavior:

Aggressively defends territory from raptors and other predatory birds.

Feeding:

During breeding season, forages almost exclusively by flycatching. On wintering grounds, feeds on fruit.