 SPOTTED FLYCATCHER – Muscicapa striata |
The spotted flycatcher is a medium-sized bird commonly found in open woodlands, parks, and gardens. Characterized by its relatively long tail, this bird often sits still on a perch, flicking its tail as it waits for an opportunity to catch flying insects. During the breeding season, these birds are present throughout the UK, departing in August to migrate to tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. They are among the last summer migrants to return, typically appearing in their breeding habitats in May or June, and they usually stay for just a short period to raise their young. With a streaky, greyish-brown appearance, they have a lighter underside and patterned crown and breast.
Interesting Fact: The spotted flycatcher is often the last bird species to arrive in the UK during the summer months.
These birds prefer open areas with trees for nesting. They typically create a nest in a sheltered spot, often against a wall, and adapt well to open-fronted nest boxes, usually laying 4-6 eggs.
As indicated by their name, spotted flycatchers primarily feed on insects in flight, catching butterflies, moths, damselflies, and craneflies. They also consume wasps and bees, which they make safe for eating by rubbing off the stingers on their perches. They hunt by waiting on a perch for their prey to pass by before darting to catch it and can also search for insects among vegetation during times when flying insects are scarce.
Unfortunately, the spotted flycatcher population is declining significantly. From 1967 to 2012, their numbers fell by about 89%, placing them on the red list of species needing conservation. While the exact causes of this decline are unclear, several factors could contribute, including conditions in their winter habitats in Africa and a decrease in the availability of flying insects. Like many wildlife species in the U.K., the spotted flycatcher is protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
Fact File
- Length: 14cm
- Wingspan: 24cm
- Weight: 17-20g
- U.K. Population: 45,000 pairs
- Life Expectancy: 2 years
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