 Although its plumage is similar to some other tyrant flycatchers, especially the slaty-headed tody-flycatcher, in the field, the bird is more often mistaken for a large beetle or insect, especially while in flight.Its song is a high pitched series of up to 15 "c'r'eek" notes, at first hesitant, then accelerating and descending slightly.There is also a "cr'e'e'e', k'e'e'e'e" song that is repeated over and over.