- Ficedula parva
Includes: Taiga Flycatcher
Identification
11-12 cm
- Ashy-brown upperparts, paler beneath
- Brown bill
- Dark brown legs
- Noticeable white patches at base of tail
Male
Bright reddish-orange throat and upper breast
Female and Juvenile duller brown above and whitish below
Distribution
Europe, central Asia; migratory, wintering in south Asia.
Taxonomy
The Asian race F. p. albicilla has the red throat surrounded by grey and a different song. It is sometimes separated as the Taiga Flycatcher, or Red-throated Flycatcher, Ficedula albicilla (Pallas, 1811).
Habitat
Deciduous woodland near water.
Behaviour
Movement
Flycatches from perch, and will also 'glean' warbler-like amongst leaves.
Often flicking and cocking tail and sits with 'drooping wings'
Breeding
An open nest in a tree hole is built and 4-7 eggs are laid.
Diet
It feeds by taking insects in flight and caterpillars from among oak leaves. It also eats berries.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Ficedula parva (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Wikipedia
- Birdwatchers Pocket Guide ISBN 1-85732-804-3
- Collins Pocket Guide to British Birds 1966
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition