Collared Flycatcher

The Collared Flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis, is a diminutive passerine, a member of the Old World flycatcher family. This species is characterized by its striking plumage, particularly in the breeding male, which sports a glossy black upper body contrasted with a pure white underbelly. A distinctive white collar graces its nape, complemented by a prominent white wing patch and a large white patch on the forehead. The tail is black, though some males may exhibit white tail sides. A pale rump and a black bill, broad yet pointed, complete the aerial insectivore's profile. This bird measures a compact 12–13.5 cm in length.

Identification Tips

In breeding plumage, males are unmistakable with their black and white coloration and white collar. Females, non-breeding males, and juveniles present a more subdued palette, with black replaced by pale brown, making them more challenging to distinguish from other Ficedula species. The large white forehead patch and wing patch are key identifiers for males.

Habitat

The Collared Flycatcher favors deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, showing a preference for mature trees that offer nesting cavities.

Distribution

This species breeds in southeast Europe, with isolated populations in Gotland and Öland in the Baltic Sea, Sweden, and extends to Eastern France, the Balkan Peninsula, and Ukraine. It is a migratory bird, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, and is considered a rare vagrant in western Europe.

Behaviour

The Collared Flycatcher is known for its hunting agility, capturing insects mid-flight and foraging for caterpillars among oak foliage. It also partakes in berries. The species exhibits a preference for nesting in tree holes or man-made nest boxes, typically laying 5-7 eggs.

Song & Calls

The male's song consists of slow, strained whistles, distinctly different from that of the Pied Flycatcher. Intriguingly, Pied Flycatchers may mimic the Collared Flycatcher's song in areas where their populations overlap.

Breeding

Breeding males are easily recognized by their contrasting black and white plumage and the white collar. The species nests in cavities, laying 5-7 eggs, and has been observed to suffer from severe inbreeding depression, affecting hatching success rates.

Similar Species

The Collared Flycatcher may be confused with the European Pied Flycatcher (F. hypoleuca) and the Semicollared Flycatcher (F. semitorquata), especially outside the breeding season. However, the large white forehead and wing patches are distinctive in males.

Diet and Feeding

This bird is an adept aerial hunter, catching insects in flight. It also searches for caterpillars in foliage and occasionally consumes berries.

Conservation status

The Collared Flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.