Old World Flycatchers in London
9 species matching this filter.
London is home to nine species of Old World flycatcher (family Muscicapidae), ranging from the beloved European Robin — a year-round fixture of gardens and parks — to scarcer visitors such as the Nightingale and European Pied Flycatcher. Habitats across the capital, from heathlands and woodland edges to brownfield sites and urban rooftops, support this diverse group throughout the year. For a broader look at the capital's avian residents, see 20 Most Common Birds in London: Gardens, Parks & Urban Hotspots.
Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochrurosLC
A rare spring passage migrant with a special affinity for London's industrial sites and buildings. One of the city's most sought-after birds.
Apr–May
Common Redstart
Phoenicurus phoenicurusLC
A rare passage visitor, sometimes glimpsed in wooded London parks during spring and autumn migration. Males show a striking orange breast.
Apr–Sep
European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleucaLC
A rare autumn passage migrant, briefly passing through in August–September. Most likely at wooded sites and occasionally in larger gardens.
Aug–Sep
European Robin
Erithacus rubeculaLC
A beloved common resident of gardens and parks across London. Sings throughout the year and is famously confiding around people.
Year-round
Nightingale
Luscinia megarhynchosLC
A rare spring passage migrant in April–May, occasionally pausing in dense scrub at sites like Rainham Marshes. Breeding range has retreated from London.
Apr–May
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striataLC
A rare passage migrant through London, occasionally spotted in parks and gardens during May and again in late summer as birds head south.
May–Sep
Stonechat
Saxicola torquatusLC
An uncommon resident found on heathland and scrubby margins around London's outer fringes. Often perches prominently on gorse or fences.
Year-round
Wheatear
Oenanthe oenantheLC
An uncommon visitor to open ground and playing fields from March to October. Often seen on passage, pausing briefly on short turf.
Mar–Oct
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Whinchat
Saxicola rubetraLC
An uncommon passage migrant in spring and autumn, favouring rough grassland and scrubby edges at reservoirs and marshes across the capital.
Apr–Sep