Are spotted flycatchers common?
Spotted Flycatcher has become a poster-bird for the cause of African migrants. Silver-haired birdwatchers will remember these as common birds of gardens, parks and orchards but a population decline of 89% between 1967 and 2010 has changed things massively.
What does a spotted fly catcher look like?
6 Unexceptional looks Spotted flycatchers are fairly drab birds, with brown-grey upperparts. Below they have dull white plumage with pale streaking, and there is streaking on the head. Juveniles are similar but have pale spots on their upperparts.
How big is a spotted flycatcher?
0.53 oz
Spotted flycatcher/Mass
Where do spotted flycatchers migrate to?
The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia.
Are spotted flycatchers rare UK?
During the breeding season spotted flycatchers can be found throughout the UK, although they are scarce in the far north and west and almost absent from Scottish islands.
How long do spotted flycatcher eggs take to hatch?
around 12-14 days
A clutch of four to five eggs is laid and hatches after around 12-14 days. 13-16 days after hatching the chicks are ready to fledge. This bird is a similar size to a house martin or robin.
Where is spotted flycatcher?
Churchyards, cemeteries, parks and mature gardens are good places. Spotted flycatchers are often found in woodland with open glades – good for catching insects.
How many spotted flycatchers are there in the UK?
Key Facts
| Please click for an explanation or hover over for the source | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Classification | Passeriformes > Muscicapidae |
| Number in Britain | 42 thousand Territories (Summer) |
| Conservation Status | |
| in UK | RED |
Where does the spotted flycatcher nest?
Spotted Flycatchers often used the old nests of Blackbirds Turdus merula but many nests were in holes and ledges in trees and walls and climbing shrubs growing against a wall. The majority of nests were located in nest boxes or coconut shells placed for the purpose of attracting Spotted Flycatchers to nest.
What do spotted flycatchers eat?
Flying insects
What they eat: Flying insects, such as moths, butterflies, damselflies, craneflies and other tasty morsels. If the weather is bad, they can search trees and shrubs for other insect food.