OOS Second Atlas Project 2004-2010
Oxfordshire Bird Atlas 2006 Spotted Flycatcher survey
The Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) is an unobtrusive small brown bird about the size of a sparrow, which breeds in Britain and Europe and migrates to equatorial Africa for the winter. Traditionally its main habitat is woodland of broad-leaved trees such as oak, but it has long been associated with mature gardens and churchyards. Globally, the species is not considered to be at risk, but in the UK its numbers have declined dramatically, indeed by about 60% in woodland and 70% on farmland, in the last 25 years. The reasons for this decline are not yet clear, nor whether the main problems lie within the breeding grounds, wintering grounds, or on migration. However, a recent survey conducted by a single member of the Oxford Ornithological Society visiting churches, suggested that churchyards might represent a significant stronghold for this species in Oxfordshire. We therefore plan to conduct a more comprehensive survey, focusing on churchyards, during the forthcoming breeding season.
As its name implies, the spotted flycatcher lives on small flying insects, which it catches on the wing by flying out from a perch and back; behaviour known as sallying. The localised decline of this species may well be related to the general decline in flying insects, in which case churchyard management practices that favour the species would be of interest. Finding out about how churchyards are looked after will form part of this survey.
Spotted flycatchers are amongst the later migrants to arrive back in the UK, typically arriving in Oxfordshire in mid to late May. Being rather inconspicuous, they are most likely to be detected first by their high-pitched rather squeaky calls. The nest is typically constructed on a ledge, for example in a dry-stone wall or in creeping foliage such as Ivy, and the birds may be seen perched on gravestones from which they sally, or where they can sit while feeding their young. Although the squeaky call, upright perching posture and sallying behaviour of the spotted flycatcher make it unmistakable to the birdwatcher, to the inexperienced observer there may be other species with which it might be mistaken, such as the dunnock, female house sparrow and even juvenile robins. Be aware of these possibilities when looking out for it.
We would very much welcome records of spotted flycatchers from anywhere in the county, but especially from your churchyard. Using the survey form, send in your records to:
Mr Gavin Bird
Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (TVERC)
Oxfordshire Records Centre Manager
Fletchers House
Park Street
Woodstock
Oxon
OX20 1SN
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