European Pied Flycatcher
Ficedula hypoleuca
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Passeriformes · Muscicapidae
About
The European pied flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. One of the four species of Western Palearctic black-and-white flycatchers, it hybridises to a limited extent with the collared flycatcher. It breeds in most of Europe and across the Western Palearctic. It is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical Africa. It usually builds its nests in holes on oak trees. This species practices polygyny, usually bigamy, with the male travelling large distances to acquire a second mate. The male will mate with the secondary female and then return to the primary female in order to help with aspects of child rearing, such as feeding.
Fun Fact
European pied flycatchers time their spring migration from Africa so precisely that they arrive on European breeding grounds within a few days of the same date each year — but climate change is disrupting this timing.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Deciduous forests
Diet
Insectivore
Lifespan
2-4 years
Threats
- Illegal Logging
- Wildfire