20-9-2023 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER (MALE) (Ficedula hypoleuca)

The European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. One of the four species of Western Palearctic black-and-white flycatchers, it hybridizes to a limited extent with the collared flycatcher. It breeds in most of Europe and across the Western Palearctic. It is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical Africa. It usually builds its nests in holes on oak trees. This species practices polygyny, usually bigamy, with the male travelling large distances to acquire a second mate. The male will mate with the secondary female and then return to the primary female in order to help with aspects of child rearing, such as feeding.

The European pied flycatcher is mainly insectivorous, although its diet also includes other arthropods. This species commonly feeds on spiders, ants, bees and similar prey.

The European pied flycatcher has a very large range and population size and so it is of least concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

This is a 12–13.5 centimetres (4.7–5.3 in) long bird. The breeding male is mainly black above and white below, with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. The Iberian subspecies iberiae (known as Iberian pied flycatcher) has a larger forehead patch and a pale rump. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown, and may be very difficult to distinguish from other Ficedula flycatchers, particularly the collared flycatcher, with which this species hybridizes to a limited extent.

The bill is black, and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. As well as taking insects in flight, this species hunts caterpillars amongst the oak foliage, and will take berries. It is therefore a much earlier spring migrant than the more aerial spotted flycatcher, and its loud rhythmic and melodious song is characteristic of oak woods in spring.

They are birds of deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. They build an open nest in a tree hole, and will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. 4–10 eggs are laid.

The very similar Atlas pied flycatcher, of the mountains of north west Africa was formerly classed as subspecies of the European pied flycatcher.

The European pied flycatcher has a very large range and population size, and is thus deemed to be of least concern by the IUCN. This species occupies areas of many different countries in Europe and northern Africa, also being present in the west Asian portion of Russia. More specifically, the nominate subspecies F. h. hypoleuca inhabits the UK, central Europe and Scandinavia, F. h. speculigera inhabits Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, F. h. iberiae inhabits in the Iberian Peninsula, and F. h. tomensis in eastern Europe and Russia. The species is noted as a vagrant species in places in other countries in Africa and South Asia, such as Sudan and Afghanistan. This flycatcher typically spends winter in tropical Africa.

The European pied flycatcher is a terrestrial bird, typically inhabiting open forests, woodlands, and towns. In 2005, the European population was listed to hold 3–7 million pairs. 

25-4-2021 GANDIA RIO SERPIS, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER (MALE) (Ficedula hypoleuca)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/204512-Ficedula-hypoleuca

19-9-2018 PARADOR ALMAGRO, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER (MALE) (Ficedula hypoleuca)

The European pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca, is a diminutive passerine, a member of the Old World flycatcher family. This bird is characterized by its contrasting plumage, with males donning a striking black and white during the breeding season, while females and juveniles exhibit a more subdued brown and white. The species is known for its agility in the air as it pursues its insect prey.

Breeding males are predominantly black above with a white underbelly. Notable features include a large white patch on the wings, white sides on the tail, and a small patch on the forehead. The Iberian subspecies, iberiae, is distinguished by a larger forehead patch and a pale rump. Outside of the breeding season, males, females, and juveniles are more challenging to identify, with black replaced by pale brown, and can be easily confused with other Ficedula species.

These birds are denizens of deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, showing a preference for oak trees. They are adept at utilizing tree holes for nesting and can adapt to open-fronted nest boxes provided by conservation efforts.

The European pied flycatcher boasts a broad range, extending across Europe and the Western Palearctic. It is a migratory species, wintering in tropical Africa. Subspecies are distributed across various regions, from the UK and Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula and Russia.

The species exhibits a mixed mating system of monogamy and polygyny, with males often seeking a second mate after the primary female lays eggs. Males may assist with child-rearing duties for the primary mate, and occasionally for the secondary mate if proximity allows.

The male's song is a distinctive feature of oak woodlands in spring, described as loud, rhythmic, and melodious. It serves as a beacon during the breeding season, attracting mates and asserting territory.

Breeding takes place from June to August, with the species producing one brood per season. Nesting occurs in tree holes, and clutch size can range from 4 to 10 eggs.

The Atlas pied flycatcher, found in the mountains of northwest Africa, was once considered a subspecies but is now classified separately. The collared flycatcher is a similar species with which the European pied flycatcher may hybridize to a limited extent.

Insectivorous by nature, the European pied flycatcher's diet includes a variety of arthropods, with a particular fondness for ants, bees, and beetles. It captures its prey both in flight and from foliage.

The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its extensive range and population size. However, there have been noted declines in certain regions, attributed to factors such as climate change and habitat loss.

The European pied flycatcher spends the non-breeding season in sub-Saharan Africa, migrating to breeding grounds in Europe from mid-April to late May. After the breeding season, from August to mid-September, it returns to Africa.

The species thrives in upland broadleaf woodlands, particularly mature oak forests. Conservation efforts include managing grazing to maintain an open understory and providing nest boxes to compensate for the loss of natural tree holes. Grant funding for conservation is available through schemes like England's Woodland Improvement Grant and Natural England's Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

25-9-2015 ULLALS DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER (MALE) (Ficedula hypoleuca)

The European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. One of the four species of Western Palearctic black-and-white flycatchers, it hybridizes to a limited extent with the collared flycatcher. It breeds in most of Europe and across the Western Palearctic. It is migratory, wintering mainly in tropical Africa. It usually builds its nests in holes on oak trees. This species practices polygyny, usually bigamy, with the male travelling large distances to acquire a second mate. The male will mate with the secondary female and then return to the primary female in order to help with aspects of child rearing, such as feeding.

The European pied flycatcher is mainly insectivorous, although its diet also includes other arthropods. This species commonly feeds on spiders, ants, bees and similar prey.