Species Profile
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striata
Spotted Flycatcher
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Grey Flycatcher
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Appearance
The Spotted Flycatcher is a small, slender bird with an overall greyish-brown plumage.
It has a pale underside with fine, dark streaks on the breast and flanks, giving it a slightly 'spotted' appearance. The head is rounded with a flattened forehead, the bill is straight and slender, and they have large dark eyes.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles showing more pronounced spotting. During the breeding season, adults may appear slightly paler due to feather wear, but there's no significant seasonal plumage change.
Spotted Flycatchers are most easily confused with the female Pied Flycatcher, although that species has a prominent white marking on each wing.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Spotted Flycatchers inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and gardens across Europe and western Asia. They prefer areas with a mix of open spaces and scattered trees or tall shrubs that provide suitable perches for hunting.
As long-distance migrants, they spend winters in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. In the UK, they are summer, breeding visitors, arriving in late April or May and departing by September or early October.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Wales
Rutland
Bedfordshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Gloucestershire
Dorset
East Riding of Yorkshire
East Sussex
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Norfolk
Northamptonshire
North Yorkshire
Shropshire
Surrey
Staffordshire
Wiltshire
Worcestershire
West Sussex
Diet
True to their name, Spotted Flycatchers primarily feed on flying insects, including flies, bees, wasps, damselflies, flying ants, moths, and butterflies. They catch their prey on the wing, often in impressive aerial manoeuvres.
Occasionally, they may also take insects from leaves or the ground, especially in cooler weather when flying insects are scarce. Fruits and berries are a minor component of their diet.
Behaviour
Spotted Flycatchers are known for their distinctive hunting technique. They perch upright on exposed branches, scanning for flying insects before making quick, agile flights to catch prey mid-air. They often return to the same perch after each foray, a behaviour known as 'fly-catching'.
Calls & Sounds
The Spotted Flycatcher has a subtle vocal repertoire. Its song is a soft, high-pitched 'tsee-tsee-tsee' or 'tzi-tzi-tzi', often given from a perch. The call is a sharp 'tsk' or 'zit'.
During the breeding season, males may sing quietly at dawn, producing a series of warbling notes interspersed with their typical calls.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs from May to August, with pairs often returning each year to the same nesting site. Males perform simple courtship displays, including wing-quivering and short song flights.
Nests are typically built in tree cavities, on branches, or in man-made structures like wall crevices. The cup-shaped nest is constructed mainly by the female using grass, moss, and spider webs lined with finer materials.
Females lay 3-5 whitish, pale blue or greenish eggs with reddish-brown spots. Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, with both parents sharing duties. Chicks fledge after 12-16 days but remain dependent on parents for another two weeks.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Spotted Flycatcher populations have declined significantly in parts of Europe, including the UK. Habitat loss, changes in farming practices, and climate change are potential factors.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats and researching migration patterns.
Elevation
Up to 2,200 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include domestic cats, Sparrowhawks, and other birds of prey. Nest predators such as squirrels, corvids, and climbing snakes also pose a threat to eggs and chicks.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Spotted Flycatchers perched on prominent branches in open woodlands or gardens.
- Watch for their characteristic 'fly-catching' behaviour, darting out to catch insects.
- Listen for their soft, high-pitched 'tsee' call, often given from a perch.
- In the UK, observe them in parks and gardens from late spring to early autumn.
Did You Know?
- Spotted Flycatchers can catch up to 2,000 insects in a single day.
- They have been known to nest in unusual places, including on light fixtures and even on moving vehicles.
- Despite their name, Spotted Flycatchers are not closely related to New World flycatchers.
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