The semicollared flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family, one of the four species of Western Palearctic black-and-white flycatchers. It breeds in montane forests of the southeastern corner of Europe to Northwest Iran. It is migratory, wintering in Central and Eastern Africa. It is a rare vagrant in western Europe. Tracking studies using geolocators have revealed that weather conditions during spring migration can have a large impact on the timing of Semicollared flycatcher migration and survival of adult birds.
Region
Southeastern Europe and Western Asia; winters in East and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Breeds in montane and foothill deciduous and mixed forests, especially beech, oak, and hornbeam stands with old trees and ample cavities. The breeding range extends from the southeastern Balkans through northern and western Turkey and the Caucasus to northwest Iran. During migration it uses woodland edges, riverine groves, and parks. In winter it occupies wooded savannas, riverine forests, and miombo-like broadleaf woodlands in East and Central Africa.
Altitude Range
300–2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The semicollared flycatcher is one of the Western Palearctic’s black-and-white Ficedula flycatchers and can be tricky to distinguish from the collared and pied flycatchers. It breeds in montane deciduous forests from the Balkans through Turkey and the Caucasus to northwest Iran and winters in eastern and central Africa. It readily uses natural cavities and nest boxes. Tracking studies show that spring weather strongly influences its migration timing and adult survival.
Struma River Valley - Bulgaria
Ficedula semitorquata - MHNT
Temperament
alert and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs on the breeding grounds, where it defends a territory and nests in tree cavities or nest boxes. Courtship includes song displays and perch-to-perch chases. Outside the breeding season it may join mixed-species foraging flocks in woodlands.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
The male’s song is a rich, melodious series of fluty phrases with clear whistles and trills, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp ticks and soft rattles, used in alarm and contact. Song output peaks at dawn in the breeding season.
