Spotted flycatcher

Spotted flycatcher

The spotted flycatcher is a summer visitor that is often found in woodland edges and glades. In suburban areas, it favours mature gardens, churches and cemeteries.

It is a bird much revered by birdwatchers for its fascinating behaviour, despite its drabness of colour. 

Quiet and unobtrusive, spotted flycatchers are most often seen making aerial feeding forays from prominent perches on mature trees surrounding open lawns.

They are notoriously hard to locate - the call can be inaudible to those without the keenest of ears. Once learned, the harsh ‘t-ssipp’ is often the first indication of their presence as they flit about the upper canopy of tall trees to glean insects from the leaves. 

This species has been in a gradual decline since the 1960s, the reasons for which are not yet understood. However, it is believed to be associated with cooler summers and a decline in insect numbers, coupled with poor conditions in their African wintering grounds. 

What do spotted flycatchers need?

  • In spring, returning spotted flycatchers quickly begin to nest. Their success is dependant on the weather. Warmer temperatures encourage more to breed early, with larger clutch sizes being stimulated by more sunshine. 
  • Prominent perches at the edges of an open garden are favoured places from which to feed. They will also eat insects from the underside of leaves among the canopy of mature trees (particularly in cool, wet weather).
  • In late summer, they also feed on the fruits of trees and shrubs prior to their migration, taking at the same time any insects attracted to over-ripe fruits.
  • Spotted flycatchers are particularly fond of butterflies and moths, flies, bees, wasps and beetles. 
  • Spotted flycatchers will nest in small hollows on the edges of trunks and snags of old trees and under dense climbers. In gardens, they usually favour old mature climbers or wall shrubs growing against the wall of a house. The nest is usually only partially concealed, allowing the birds a good, open view. 

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