Birds and wildlife

Spotted Flycatcher

Muscicapa striataGroup: Old World flycatchers and chatsUK Conservation status:Red

How to identify

At first glance, Spotted Flycatchers might seem a little dull, with brownish-grey feathers. 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 spot.

Call

Spotted Flycatcher

Patrik Åberg / xeno-canto

Key features to look out for

  • A small bird, about the size of a Robin 
  • Males and females look similar 
  • Grey-brown back, head, wings and tail 
  • Paler buff underparts, with brown streaking on the chest 
  • Juveniles look spotty, a bit like a juvenile Robin, but are greyer in colour 
Spotted Flycatcher perched on a wooden post of a front garden gate.
Spotted Flycatcher
Did you know?

Spotted Flycatchers declined by 88% between 1970 and 2018, putting them on the Red List of birds of high conservation concern. 

Where to see them

You’re most likely to see Spotted Flycatchers in woodlands, as well as mature gardens and parks with lots of trees and other vegetation that support the insects they feed on. They will also use mature hedgerows with trees in farmland. Spotted Flycatchers are widespread across much of the UK.  

Key

  1. Resident
  2. Passage
  3. Summer
  4. Winter
* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Where best to see them

Behaviour

As their name suggests, Spotted Flycatchers are masters at catching flies and other insects, such as butterflies, wasps and craneflies. You might see one sitting on a branch, before darting out to catch an unsuspecting insect as it flies past. 

Call/song

The Spotted Flycatcher’s call is a repetitive, high-pitched ‘tzee, tzee’. Its song is a series of scratchy warbles and higher-pitched notes. 

Nesting

Spotted Flycatchers build their open, cup-shaped nests on ledges in and around buildings and walled gardens, as well as on creepers climbing up walls and trees. 

Spotted Flycatcher adult sitting in yew tree with food for young in a nearby nest.
Spotted Flycatcher
Small brown birds you might see in your garden

Have you seen a small, brown bird in your garden and you’re not sure what it is? There are lots of potential contenders, so take a look at these ID tips to help you to work out the identity of your mystery bird.

Key facts