The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) 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.

Tends to perch rather upright on exposed snags and other perches, often sallying out to snatch insects and returning to the same perch (“flycatching”). Favors open mixed and deciduous woodland with clearings, as well as scrub, parkland, larger gardens, and plantations.

As their name suggests, Spotted Flycatchers are masters at catching flies and other insects, such as butterflies, wasps and craneflies. You might see one sitting on a branch, before darting out to catch an unsuspecting insect as it flies past.

More streaked than spotted, this small grey-brown, long-winged flycatcher is a dashing bird of woodland, parks and gardens. The Spotted Flycatcher is amongst the last of our summer visitors to arrive, often not being seen until late April or even early May.

The spotted flycatcher is a medium-sized songbird of open woodland, parks and gardens. It has a relatively long tail, which it flicks while it sits patiently on a perch waiting for a chance to fly out and catch its insect-prey mid-air.

Spotted Flycatchers, a modest yet captivating bird species, are known for their understated beauty. With a grey-brown plumage that may seem plain at first glance, these birds are distinguished by their engaging fly-catching behaviour.

The Spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) is a small passerine bird found in most of Europe, Africa, and Asia. This species was described by the German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas in 1764 and has five recognized subspecies.

Learn about Spotted Flycatcher (Spotted): explore photos, sounds, and observations collected by birders around the world.

The spotted flycatcher is a somewhat ordinary-looking bird, mostly grey-brown in colour with paler streaks, particularly on the head and wings. It has a creamy white breast which is streaked with pale brown. It is a small bird, measuring just 14cm in length and weighing in at a maximum of 19g.

Spotted Flycatchers are a widespread breeding bird in broadleaf woodlands, well-vegetated hedgerows, parks and gardens. Will use nestboxes.