Old World Flycatchers in Isle of Wight

9 species matching this filter.

All birds in Isle of WightView family page

The Isle of Wight provides a wonderful range of habitats for Old World Flycatchers, from coastal cliffs and downland to ancient woodlands and hedgerow-rich farmland. Nine species from this diverse family have been recorded on the island, including the secretive Nightingale, the charming European Robin, and passage migrants such as the Wheatear and European Pied Flycatcher. The island's mild climate and varied landscapes make it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers seeking both resident and migratory members of this family.

Stonechat
StonechatSmallest · 11.5cm
to
Nightingale
NightingaleLargest · 16.5cm
Ranges from the Stonechat (11.5cm) to the Nightingale (16.5cm)3 year-round residents
Black Redstart

Black Redstart

Phoenicurus ochrurosLC

A rare visitor, occasionally seen on coastal cliffs and buildings, mainly during spring and autumn passage. A prized sighting on the island.

Oct–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Redstart

Common Redstart

Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC

A rare breeding visitor, favouring mature oak woodland with nest holes. Look for the male's striking orange tail in wooded valleys from April.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Pied Flycatcher

European Pied Flycatcher

Ficedula hypoleucaLC

A rare autumn passage migrant noted in August, stopping in woodland edges and coastal scrub on its southward migration.

Aug

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Robin

European Robin

Erithacus rubeculaLC

One of the island's most familiar garden birds, present all year. Its sweet, wistful song can be heard even through the winter months.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Nightingale

Nightingale

Luscinia megarhynchosLC

A rare passage visitor recorded in May, pausing in dense thickets and scrub. Once bred more widely in southern England but has declined.

May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spotted Flycatcher

Spotted Flycatcher

Muscicapa striataLC

An uncommon passage migrant, mainly noted in May and again in August–September at woodland edges and coastal scrub during migration.

May–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Stonechat

Stonechat

Saxicola torquatusLC

An uncommon resident of coastal gorse and heathland, often perching prominently on bushes along the island's clifftop paths year-round.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Wheatear

Wheatear

Oenanthe oenantheLC

An uncommon summer breeder on the island's chalk downland and coastal clifftops, bobbing on fence posts from March to October.

Mar–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Whinchat

Whinchat

Saxicola rubetraLC

A rare breeding visitor to rough grassland and heathland, present from April to October. Perches prominently on fence posts and tall stems.

Apr–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Old World Flycatchers in Isle of Wight | Birdfact