Ficedula hypoleuca
The European Pied Flycatcher is a small, striking bird with distinct black and white plumage in breeding males. Their white foreheads, white wing patches, and white outer tail feathers contrast sharply with their black upperparts.
Females and non-breeding males are predominantly brown-grey above and off-white below, with a pale wing patch. Both sexes have black irises, a short black bill, and black-brown legs.
Juveniles resemble females but have spotted upperparts and a buff wash to their plumage. They develop their full adult plumage by their first summer, although first-year adult males retain a brownish tinge.
Length
12cm to 13.5cm
Wingspan
21cm to 24cm
Weight
9g to 17g
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
European Pied Flycatchers breed across much of Europe, from Spain to western Russia. They favour mature deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly those dominated by oak. They also prefer areas with an open understory and available nest cavities.
These birds are long-distance migrants, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. In the UK, they are most commonly found in western and northern areas, including Wales and Scotland, during the breeding season from April to August.
Passage sightings are commonly reported along the eastern coast of England and the Isle of Man.
Up to 2,000 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a European Pied Flycatcher. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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