European Pied Flycatcher

A dapper woodland bird and a summer visitor to Europe. It is found in mature oak and beech forests. It is a cavity nester that readily uses nest boxes. It is a long-distance migrant that winters in West Africa. Its spring arrival is perfectly timed with the emergence of caterpillars.

It is a master at catching insects in flight. It perches on low branches, flicking its wings and tail, then darts out to snatch a fly. It also gleans insects from leaves. The male has a bright, rhythmic song of high-pitched whistles. They are very territorial around their nesting holes.