Spotted Flycatchers have declined by 80%+ in Britain since the 1970s — one of the steepest declines of any common European bird.
They sit motionless on a low branch, then sally out to catch flying insects in mid-air, often returning to the exact same perch.
Despite the name, the spots are subtle — they're a streaky brown rather than truly spotted.
Spotted Flycatchers favor old-fashioned garden settings with mature trees and sheltered ledges. Open-front shelves work well.
Mount the open shelf 2–5 m up against a wall, under a covered eave, or in a sheltered tree fork.
Mature trees nearby for hunting perches, and open ground for catching insects on the wing.
Insects only. Plant native flowering plants to support pollinators.
Garden pond or birdbath supports insect populations and gives them a place to bathe.
Don't use insecticides — Spotted Flycatchers' decline is partly tied to insect collapse.
A long-distance migrant breeding across Europe and western Asia, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
Breeds throughout, though declining steeply in many countries.
Breeds east through Russia and the Caucasus.
Winters across sub-Saharan Africa as far south as South Africa.
Mature open woodland, parkland, churchyards, mature suburban gardens with old trees and ledges or hollows for nesting.
No entrance hole, no front wall — just a sheltered ledge. Includes drainage and the integrated mounting tab.
See the full lineupLong-distance migrant from sub-Saharan Africa. Last summer migrant to arrive — boxes should be ready by late April.