flycatcher
1. Bird Name
The Collared Flycatcher, scientifically known as the Ficedula albicollis, belongs to the family of Muscicapidae.
2. Appearance
The Collared Flycatcher is a petite and astonishingly distinctive flying creature. Males flaunt a striking combination of black and white feathers; the body being predominantly black, with a distinctive white collar around their neck, hence the name Collared Flycatcher. The wings have white patches while the beak displays a black color, which sharply contrasts against a pair of glittering dark eyes. Conversely, female Collared Flycatchers possess a lighter, grayish-brown plumage without the characteristic white collar of the males; instead, they have a softer hue on their underparts.
3. Size
The Collared Flycatcher typically exhibits an average length of approximately 13.5 cm (5.31 inches). Their wingspan can span about 22 to 24 cm (8.7 to 9.4 inches). These creatures are lightweight, with their weight ranging about 12 to 18 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Collared Flycatcher illustrates a strong preference for old deciduous forests with a high density of old trees. It is primarily found in Central and Eastern Europe, extending east to Ukraine and south to Greece, while in winter, Collared Flycatchers migrate southwards and settle in tropical Africa.
5. Interesting facts
Firstly, Collared Flycatchers are known to exhibit intriguing behavior where they fiercely guard their breeding territory against intruders and even their own reflection! Secondly, they are known for their unique mating rituals where the male presents a visually impressive display to woo the females. Another fascinating fact about this species is their capability to live on insects that are harmful to trees, thus contributing significantly to the balance of forest ecosystems.
6. Diet
The Collared Flycatcher’s diet mainly comprises of insects, more specifically beetles and other small arthropods. During warmer months, they are known to feast on butterflies and moths too.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Collared Flycatchers are generally monogamous but during an abundance of food, they may mate with multiple partners. Their flight pattern includes sharp darting movements when out to catch insects in mid-air. Their call often embodies a sharp ‘pik’ sound, and the song typically consists of a variety of whistles and trills.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Collared Flycatcher is currently listed as ‘Least Concern’ because the population doesn’t seem to be declining at a concerning rate. However, its well-being continues to be monitored.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, the average lifespan of a Collared Flycatcher is 2-5 years. Due to limited data, captive lifespan data may not be accurately available.
10. Additional Notes
Known as ‘Bonte Vliegenvanger’ in Dutch, this bird often interacts with humans primarily in the context of forest management as it tends to nest in tree holes and artificial nest boxes. Their role in the ecosystem is paramount as they help control insect populations, whilst their nests provide housing for other smaller species. Despite their small size, these birds boast an incredible resilience that enables them to survive in varying climatic conditions across their geographical range.
