Great Crested Flycatchers in Saskatchewan
When great crested flycatchers are present in Saskatchewan, when they nest, which native Saskatchewan plants feed them, and how to host them in a Canada 1a–3b yard.
- Status in Saskatchewan
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- June–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- Canada 1a–3b
- Nest box
- 1 3/4 in hole, 6 × 6 in floor, 8–20 ft
When to expect great crested flycatchers in Saskatchewan
Great Crested Flycatchers are summer residents in Saskatchewan, arriving shortly before nesting begins in June and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles, moths and katydids.
Continental — prairie in the south, boreal forest in the north.
Nesting in Saskatchewan
Across Saskatchewan, great crested flycatchers typically nest from June–July. Nest site: tree cavity or nest box. Females lay 4–8 eggs, incubate for 13–15 days, and young leave the nest after 13–21 days.
Warm, sunny summers.
- Have boxes cleaned and mounted before May — great crested flycatchers begin prospecting ahead of egg-laying.
- Use a 1 3/4 in entrance on a 6 × 6 in floor, mounted 8–20 ft.
- Fit a pole baffle or hole guard; ventilation gaps and drainage holes are essential.
- Clean out old nests after each brood and again after July.
Native Saskatchewan plants that attract great crested flycatchers
Of the regional native plants we track for Saskatchewan, these 8 provide food or cover great crested flycatchers use:
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
Late-season bloom supports insects; seed for sparrows.
Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.
Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.
Feeding great crested flycatchers through the Saskatchewan year
The only eastern flycatcher that nests in cavities — often in boxes, famously lined with shed snakeskin.
- Best foods: .
- In Saskatchewan's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are great crested flycatchers in Saskatchewan year-round?
No. Great Crested Flycatchers are summer breeders in Saskatchewan and leave for the winter.
When do great crested flycatchers nest in Saskatchewan?
Nesting in Saskatchewan typically runs June–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 4–8 eggs, incubated for 13–15 days.
What native plants attract great crested flycatchers in Saskatchewan?
Bur oak, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Rabbitbrush, Balsam fir, White spruce are native plants in Saskatchewan that provide food or cover for great crested flycatchers.
What size birdhouse hole do great crested flycatchers need?
1 3/4 in, with a floor of 6 × 6 in mounted 8–20 ft.
Great Crested Flycatchers in other regions
Other backyard birds in Saskatchewan
Sources
- Great Crested Flycatcher — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Great Crested Flycatcher life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Great Crested Flycatcher — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Saskatchewan
- Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — Natural Resources Canada
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.