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- Ficedula hypoleuca
Includes: Atlas Flycatcher
Identification
Nominate hypoleuca is found over most of Europe and iberiae in Iberia in which male has slightly larger white forehead patch, larger still in North African race speculigera which also has more white on wings and has recently been proposed as a full species - the Atlas Flycatcher. Siberian race sibirica is usually greyer than nominate but grey or brown individuals also occur commonly in Europe.
Distribution
The most widespread and numerous of the three "pied" flycatchers of the Region. Breeds throughout most of Scandinavia and in mainland Europe from the Netherlands, Belgium and eastern France east to the Urals. Also breeds in parts of north and west Britain, at scattered sites in central and southern France, in central Iberia and in North-West Africa.
Migratory, leaving breeding areas in mid August-September to winter in West Africa and returns in mid April-June. Passage birds occur throughout most of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Occasional winter records from around the Mediterranean.
Vagrants recorded north to Svalbard, Iceland and Faroes, also Madeira and the Cape Verde Islands.
Taxonomy
Three to four subspecies usually recognized:
- F. h. hypoleuca from W Europe to W Siberia
- F. h. sibirica in the Taiga of W Siberia
- F. h. iberiae on the Iberian Peninsula (not accepted by all authorities)
- F. h. speculigera in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia
Speculigera is sometimes considered a full species, Atlas Flycatcher.
Habitat
Preferred habitat is mature deciduous woodland, especially oak, but also found in mixed and coniferous woodland in upland areas in south of range. Occurs in orchards and parks, sometimes large gardens and often in areas of scrub on passage.
Behaviour
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Ficedula hypoleuca (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program