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Psilos Bird Photography |
Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata |
Larger than the pied flycatcher this is
a declining species in the UK. A summer migrant it is only found in
localised habitats particularly open woodland with ample clearings and
prominent perches, but can adapt well to gardens and parks. They mainly
arrive in May, and leave again in July and August. Passage birds from
northern Europe can be seen in September. Flycatchers get their name
from a habit of sitting on a prominent branch and flying out to snap
up an insect before flying back. |
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Spotted flycatchers arrive in early May
and quickly begin a family, often have young fledging by the end of
June. In warmer locations where there is plenty of food a second brood
is fledged by early august. The juvenile in the photos below had fledged
that day (Maynooth S Ireland 1st July 06) |
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