The Mediterranean flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds on the Balearic Islands, Corsica and Sardinia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa. The International Ornithologists' Union has split the species from the spotted flycatcher, but other taxonomic authorities considered it still conspecific.
Region
Western Mediterranean
Typical Environment
Breeds on the Mediterranean islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands, favoring open woodlands, pine forests, maquis, and human‑settled areas with trees. In winter it migrates to sub‑Saharan Africa, using wooded savannas, forest edges, and riparian corridors. It prefers habitats with scattered perches from which to hunt insects. During migration it occurs in a variety of lightly wooded and coastal scrub environments.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Recently split from the spotted flycatcher by some authorities, it breeds on Western Mediterranean islands and winters in sub‑Saharan Africa. It typically hunts by sallying out from an exposed perch to catch flying insects. Plumage is subtly patterned, so behavior and range are often key to identification. Two subspecies are often recognized, including birds from Corsica/Sardinia and the Balearics.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs, defending small territories centered on reliable hunting perches. Nests are typically placed in tree forks, building crevices, or on ledges and human structures. Both parents feed the young, with the female incubating most of the time.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, subdued series of high, squeaky notes and short trills delivered from a perch. Calls include sharp tsee or tsip notes, often given during foraging.
