Old World Flycatchers in Dorset
9 species matching this filter.
Dorset's diverse landscapes, from the Jurassic Coast cliffs to its heathlands and ancient woodlands, provide excellent habitat for nine recorded species of Old World Flycatcher. This family includes familiar garden favourites such as the European Robin and charismatic summer visitors like the Spotted Flycatcher, Common Redstart and Nightingale. The county's coastal headlands and sheltered valleys also make it a prime location for spotting passage migrants such as the Wheatear and European Pied Flycatcher.
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare non-breeding visitor, most often spotted on coastal cliffs and buildings at Portland and along the Jurassic Coast during autumn and winter.
Oct–Apr
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A rare breeding visitor to Dorset's mature oak woodlands, arriving in April. The male's fiery orange tail is unmistakable in dappled shade.
Apr–Sep
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare passage migrant, most likely seen in autumn along the coast. Does not breed in Dorset but passes through in April and August–September.
Apr–Sep
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
One of Dorset's most familiar garden birds, singing year-round. Fiercely territorial despite its friendly appearance around human habitation.
Year-round
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
A rare passage visitor in May, occasionally heard singing in dense scrub. Dorset lies at the western fringe of its declining English breeding range.
May
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
An uncommon and declining summer breeder, arriving in May. Favours woodland edges and churchyards, sallying out from perches to catch insects.
May–Sep
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
A common resident of Dorset's heathlands and coastal gorse, perching prominently and calling with a sharp 'tsak'. Thrives on Purbeck's heaths year-round.
Year-round
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon summer breeder on coastal grassland and downland, arriving from March. Often bobs on fence posts along the Jurassic Coast and Purbeck.
Mar–Oct
Spotted something?
Upload a photo to identify it
Identify
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare visitor seen mainly on passage in spring and autumn, favouring rough grassland and heathland edges. Identified by its bold pale supercilium.
Apr–Oct