Spotted Flycatcher
(Muscicapa striata)
Alert Status: Red - 90% decline
Identifying Features: The Spotted Flycatcher is about the size of a house sparrow. The male and females are alike: slim with grey-brown upperparts, whitish underparts with dark streaks on the crown, breast and throat. The bill and legs are both black.
Average Length: 15 cm
Average Lifespan: 2 years
Average Wingspan: 23-25 cm
Beak type: Flat and wide
Feeding:
Natural: Flying insects, such as moths, butterflies, damselflies, craneflies
Nesting: Both birds build the nest, which is usually against the tree trunk. The nest is a cup made of grass, thin twigs, lichen, and spiders' webs, and lined with feathers and hair. They also nest in open fronted nest boxes.
Where to see: Churchyards, cemeteries, parks and mature gardens are good places. Spotted flycatchers are often found in woodland with open glades - good for catching insects.
Fascinating Facts
The spotted flycatcher is a migratory bird that starts to arrive here in the UK from late April, although most arrive mid-May, after spending the winter in Africa. This rather ordinary-looking, medium-sized bird is mostly grey-brown in colour with some paler streaks on the head and wings. It has a creamy white breast that is streaked with brown. It’s long tail can often be seen flicking as it sits patiently, looking out for food. Juveniles are similar but are darker brown and have pale spots on their upper parts.
Despite arriving later than other migratory birds, spotted flycatchers manage to rear two broods before leaving again in September. The success of the second clutch is increased as fewer eggs are laid, resulting in less mouths to fill. Nests are built out of grass, lichens and twigs usually in a sheltered crevice. A clutch of around five eggs is laid and will hatch after around 12-14 days and both parents will take care of the offspring. The chicks will fledge between 13 and 16 days later.
Just like the name suggests, this bird enjoys feeding on flying insects which they catch mid-flight. Spotted flycatchers hunt their prey from high vantage points which is why they prefer a habitat with plenty of tall trees. Large insects such as butterflies, moths, damselflies and crane flies make up their diet. Wasps and bees are made safe to eat by rubbing the sting end on the birds perch to remove it!
When the weather is cool, and insects are not flying, the spotted flycatcher will take smaller invertebrates from leaves and branches. In order to reduce the chances of their prey escaping, this bird has bristle like feathers down the sides of its bill.