The spotted flycatcher 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. It is declining in parts of its range.
Region
Europe and western Palearctic
Typical Environment
Breeds from the British Isles and Iberia across most of continental Europe to western Siberia, and south into the Mediterranean basin. Winters mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of southwestern Asia. Prefers open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, parks, gardens, and farmland with scattered trees. Often found near clearings and along hedgerows where perches are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The spotted flycatcher is a small, slender passerine known for sallying from exposed perches to snatch flying insects mid-air. It breeds widely across Europe and into the western Palearctic, then migrates to Africa and southwestern Asia for winter. Populations have declined in parts of its range, likely due to habitat changes and reduced insect availability.
Temperament
solitary and territorial in breeding season
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Breeds in single pairs, often returning to favored territories. Nests are open cups, frequently placed on ledges, vines, or sheltered shelves on buildings and trees. Both parents feed the young, and double broods may occur in favorable seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin, and somewhat scratchy warble interspersed with high, sibilant notes. Calls include sharp tseep or tzik contact notes and a thin seee. Vocalizations are modest and can be overlooked among louder woodland species.
Plumage
Plain grey-brown upperparts with fine streaking on the crown and mantle; off-white underparts with delicate streaks on the breast. Wings are slightly darker with pale fringes and faint bars; tail is brown and fairly long. Overall appearance is subtly patterned and somewhat drab.
Diet
Primarily takes flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, butterflies, and occasional dragonflies. Hunts by aerial sallying from exposed perches, sometimes hovering briefly to pick prey. Will also glean from foliage and occasionally takes small berries in late summer when insect numbers drop.
Preferred Environment
Forages along woodland edges, hedgerows, orchards, and in parks and gardens with scattered trees and open sightlines. Frequently uses fences, branches, and wires as hunting perches with clear airspace.
