Photo: © Gunnar Andersen, Tovrup, Als, Denmark, 07.07.2001

The Spotted Flycatcher is the commonest flycatcher in Europe where it is widespread being found almost everywhere
during the summer. It is also found in western Asia down to the western Himalayas.
It is only absent from areas lacking in trees and bushes and within dense forest.
It requires clearings and open areas with suitable perches from which it sallies forth to catch flying insects.


Photo: © Svend Ove Jensen ,Denmark. 25.05.2005

The Spotted Flycatcher is a long-distance migrant and spends the winter in sub-Saharan Africa.
They arrive in Europe from mid-April and are amongst the latest migrants to arrive.
They start their journey south in August with birds from Britain, Ireland and western Europe passing through France and Spain
while those from Scandinavia and central Europe head south through Italy and Greece.


Photo: © Svend Ove Jensen ,Denmark. 2003

It has a long tail and wings with dark streaking on its breast, side of throat and forehead.
Its dark eye is surrounded by an indistinct palish eye-ring.


Photo: © Svend Ove Jensen ,Denmark. 2005

Text on this page: Arthur Grosset