Old World Flycatchers in Herefordshire
8 species matching this filter.
Herefordshire's mosaic of ancient woodlands, rolling farmland, and upland edges provides excellent habitat for Old World Flycatchers, a diverse family that includes robins, redstarts, chats, and true flycatchers. Eight species from this family have been recorded in the county, with highlights including the European Pied Flycatcher — a speciality of the western oak woodlands — and the charismatic Wheatear, which passes through on migration. From the familiar European Robin in cottage gardens to the elusive Black Redstart on old buildings, these birds add colour and character to Herefordshire's landscapes throughout the year.
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare passage visitor, occasionally recorded around buildings and rocky sites in late winter. A scarce find anywhere in the county.
Feb
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
An uncommon summer breeder favouring the county's mature oak woodlands, arriving in April. The male's fiery orange tail is unmistakable.
Apr–Aug
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare and prized breeding visitor to western oak woodlands, particularly around the Wye Valley. Readily uses nestboxes from April to July.
Apr–Jul
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A familiar year-round resident of Herefordshire's gardens, hedgerows and woodlands, singing its sweet, melancholic song even through winter.
Year-round
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A declining summer visitor arriving in May, favouring mature parkland, churchyards and woodland edges where it sallies for insects from exposed perches.
May–Sep
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
A rare resident found on rough grassland and gorse-covered commons. Often perches prominently, flicking its tail and giving a sharp call.
Year-round
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
A rare breeder on open hillsides along the county's western uplands from April to September, favouring short-grazed pasture and stone walls.
Apr–Sep
Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
A rare passage migrant glimpsed briefly in spring and late summer on rough grassland and upland margins of the county.
May–Jul