Spotted Flycatcher

Muscicapa striata

Other Names

  European Spotted Flycatcher   Gobemouche gris   Grauschnäpper   Papamoscas Gris   Grå flugsnappare   Grauwe Vliegenvanger   Pigliamosche europeo

World: Found across much of the Palearctic region. Overwinters in Africa.

Kenya: A widespread palearctic migrant (October to April) which occurs anywhere there is suitable habitat.

Found in riverine woodland, light acacia scrub, forest edge and gardens. The species is relatively common on passage. The birds have a solitary lifestyle. They adopt an upright stance frequently in exposed areas where they hawk for insects from branches or fence posts (or other suitable perches). They frequently return to the same perch.

There are 2 similar species of Flycatcher found in Kenya, the African Grey Flycather and the Pale Flycatcher both of which are more robust than the Spotted and lack the characteristic breast streaking.