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Birds

Birds

Common name European pied flycatcher
Scientific name Ficedula hypoleuca
Type Forest birds
Status Migrator

Small bird (approx 12 cm or 4.5 in). Brown upperparts and white underparts with ocher tones. Black wings with white spots. Black eyes, legs and bill. In spring males change their upperparts plumage to black or very dark brown, with a striking white spot on the forehead and on the wings. The underparts turn then white. Thin and elongated bill, typical of an insectivore.

Habitats

Woodland environment and Scrubland

Where it lives

Woodland species linked to mature and dense forests (mainly pine forests and oak groves) located above one thousand meters of altitude. During its migration it occupies very different habitats, from other types of forests to parks and gardens.

How it lives

Species present in the province only during its migratory passages. The European Pied Flycatcher is trans-Saharan (it spends the winter to the south of the Sahara) and turns up like a breeder in the main mountain chains of the peninsula, including Sierra Nevada, although not in Malaga. It reproduces at the end of April. One annual laying of 3 to 7 eggs. Troglodyte habits (of those living in caves), so this bird always builds the nests in holes of trees. It feeds on flying insects.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

Frequent species in the province during the months in which it migrates, at which time this flycatcher can be observed almost anywhere in Malaga, from parks to mountain areas. The pine forest of Nagüeles, in Sierra Blanca, or the Montes de Malaga are for example suitable places. In the Great Path it can be watched in stages 12, 31 and 33, among others.

Curious facts

One of the effects of climate change on birds is the reduction of their reproductive success. The European Pied Flycatcher reaches its breeding grounds on the same dates as it has always done. However, the increase in spring temperatures has brought forward the date of development of the leaves in the forests and, with it, the appearance of caterpillars, the main food of this bird. As a result, flycatchers do not arrive in time to take advantage of the caterpillar boom to feed their chicks, decreasing their reproductive success.

Similar birds
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Audios