Convervation status: Red

1 video

Latin name

Muscicapa striata

Family

Flycatchers (Muscicapidae)

Overview

At first glance, spotted flycatchers might seen dull brownish-grey and - well - a bit boring. It's better to think of them as beautiful in an understated way. Watch them for a short period and you'll be charmed by their fly-catching antics. Spotted flycatchers fly from a high perch, dash out to grab a flying insect and return to the same perch.

Where to see them

Churchyards, cemeteries, parks and mature gardens are good places. Spotted flycatchers are often found in woodland with open glades – good for catching insects. During the breeding season spotted flycatchers can be found throughout the UK, although they are scarce in the far north and west and almost absent from Scottish islands. High densities are found from Devon and Kent as far north as Scotland.

When to see them

They're one of the later spring migrants to arrive, not turning up until late April or early May. They leave around September.

What they eat

Flying insects, such as moths, butterflies, damselflies, craneflies and other tasty morsels. If the weather is bad, they can search trees and shrubs for other insect food.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

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Spotted flycatcher

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Pied flycatcher