Flycatchers and chats · Perching birds
Semicollared Flycatcher
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Ficedula semitorquata
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How to recognize it
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12–13.5 cm long
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Adult male in breeding plumage: black above, white below, white half-collar open at the nape
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Extra white wing bar in adults of both sexes; breeding male also has a large white wing patch
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Broad white areas on the male’s tail sides; non-breeding males, females and juveniles are pale brown above
About the species
During the breeding season, the male is black above and white below. A white half-collar stops short at the back of the neck, while a broad white patch and a narrow bar mark each wing. He also has a white patch on the forehead. Females and males outside breeding plumage have pale brown upperparts instead of black.
Its song comes in slow, slightly strained whistles, with a few rhythmic notes, and its call is a short "tyoop." It nests in tree holes, including old woodpecker holes, and also uses nest boxes.
It breeds in mountain deciduous woods, especially oak and hornbeam, and also uses gardens and parks. Most of its food is insects caught in flight. It migrates from southeastern Europe and northwestern Iran to Central and Eastern Africa for winter.
Where to find
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During the breeding season in gardens and parks in the Caucasus and the southern and eastern Balkans, listen for the Semicollared Flycatcher's slow, strained whistles.
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In montane deciduous woods, especially oak and hornbeam, watch for it catching insects in flight.
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In floodplain deciduous woods with hollow poplars, watch from the path during nesting season for adults visiting tree holes or nest boxes.
