Spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa striata.
At first glance, spotted flycatchers might seem dull brownish-grey and – well – a bit boring. It’s better to think of them as beautiful in an understated way. Watch them for a short period and you’ll be charmed by their fly-catching antics. Spotted flycatchers fly from a high perch, dash out to grab a flying insect and return to the same spot. They’re one of the later spring migrants to arrive, not turning up until late April or early May. They leave around September. They eat moths, butterflies, damselflies, craneflies and other tasty morsels. If the weather is bad, they will search trees and shrubs for other insect food.
Photo: © Kevin B Agar