Muscicapa striata is a widespread summer visitor to Europe, which accounts for less than half of its global breeding range. Its European breeding population is extremely large (>14,000,000 pairs), but underwent a moderate decline between 1970-1990. Although there were declines in a small number of countries during 1990-2000, the species was stable or increased across most of its European range, and declined only slightly overall. Nevertheless, its population has clearly not yet recovered to the level that preceded its initial decline. Consequently, it is evaluated as Depleted

Almost throughout west Palearctic, from Mediterranean and steppe through temperate and boreal to edge of Arctic zone. Absent, however, from open areas devoid of trees and bushes and from densely forested, arid or exposed mountainous areas, although breeding freely up to 900 m and sporadically to 1500 m. Dependent on availability of raised perches, especially in such deciduous trees as beech, oak, and chestnut, and lesser extent conifers such as pine and larch. Requires ample accessible space for catching flying insects present at adequate density, and accordingly has adapted readily to avenues, parks, gardens, orchards, and other man-made habitats.

On natural or artificial ledge, or in niche, requiring firm support below for loosely built nest, good view for incubating bird, and, often, overhang above nest for shelter: on tree-trunk supported by twigs; in creeper or in shallow crevice of tree or wall; on top of flat branch; on top of stacked wood, etc., piled against wall; in old nest of other bird. Spotted Flycatchers will also readily occupy open-fronted nest boxes or other artificial sites. Nest is a loosely built cup of fine twigs, rootlets, dry grass, moss, and lichens, lined with hair, feathers, and fine fibres. One or two clutches of 4-6 (2-7) eggs, some decline in clutch size through season. Incubation period is 12-14 days, tended by female. Young fledge after 12-16 days.

When it is colder and the abundance of flying prey is low, they forage high in the tree canopy, hovering by the leaves and moving about in the very top of the trees. On warmer days they feed on flying insects which they catch by pursuit, especially Flies, Aphids, Beetles, Ants, Bees and Wasps. Spotted Flycatchers are rarely seen on the ground but will occasionally hop to pick up food.

This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 10,000,000 km². It has a large global population, including an estimated 27,000,000-45,000,000 individuals in Europe (BirdLife International in prep.). Global population trends have not been quantified, but the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations). For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Long-distance migrant with all races moving to sub-Saharan Africa, majority wintering south of equator. Many birds are still on passage in central Africa, including areas south of equator, in October-November, spending only December-February in southernmost wintering areas. In spring this is one of the latest migrants to return to northern breeding grounds¾early June in extreme cases. Autumn recoveries in Europe and North Africa indicate migratory divide at c. 12°E: birds from Britain, Ireland, and western Europe initially head south-west to SSW through western France and Iberia; birds from central Europe and Fenno-Scandia head SSW to south-east through Italy, Greece, and Aegean. Despite migratory divide, passage through Mediterranean, North Africa, and Sahara on broad front (both seasons), and south European birds presumably head more directly south, with little or no division. Autumn departure begins late July, chiefly from August. Movement through Mediterranean region mid-August to mid-November, chiefly September-October. Reaches East Africa October-November, and South Africa late October to December. Passage north starts late February or March. Passage through North Africa and Mediterranean region chiefly from mid-April, continuing to end of May. First arrivals in northern Europe in mid- or late April, but mainly in May, continuing to end of June.

article number 1 Title
Daylength determines departure date of the Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata from its winter quarters.
Author(s): Kok OB., Van Ee C.A. & Nel D.G.
Abstract: The annual arrival and departure dates of the Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata at Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State, South Africa, were noted for a continuous period of 36 years (1950-1986). A..[more]..
Source: ARDEA 79 (1): 63-66.
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article number 2 Title
Breeding success of Spotted Flycatchers Muscicapa striata in southern England - is woodland a good habitat for this species?
Author(s): DANAË K. STEVENS, GUY Q. A. ANDERSON, PHIL V. GRICE & KEN NORRIS
Abstract: The UK population of the Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata has declined markedly in the last 30 years but there have been few recent studies of the species. This study examined the relationship bet..[more]..
Source: Ibis 149 (s2), 214-223
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