Spotted Flycatcher
NameSpotted Flycatcher
Common NameSpotted Flycatcher
Scientific NameMuscicapa striata
FamilyMuscicapidae
Wingspan (cm)24
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsThis species has drab grey-brown upperparts, with a streaky crown and breast. Its underparts are whitish, and it features a dark eye often accentuated by a faint pale eye-ring. The wings are dark with paler feather edgings, and the bill is short and pointed.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a thin, high-pitched 'tseep' or 'tsit'. The song is a short, scratchy, and rather unmelodious series of squeaky notes.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across most of Europe and western Asia, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter months. It can be found in a variety of wooded habitats, including open woodlands, parks, gardens, and orchards.
Identifying FeaturesStreaky crown and breast, Upright perching posture, Sallying flight to catch insects, Drab grey-brown plumage, Dark eye with faint pale eye-ring
Description
The Spotted Flycatcher is a small, slender passerine known for its upright posture and habit of catching insects in flight. It typically perches on an exposed branch, darting out to snatch prey before returning to the same or a nearby perch.
