The spotted flycatcher is one of Britain's most rapidly declining summer migrants, with population losses exceeding 80% since the 1970s. Understanding its welfare needs across its range is critical for conservation.
Spotted flycatcher welfare is compromised across multiple phases of their annual cycle. On UK breeding grounds, declining insect abundance due to pesticide use and habitat loss reduces food availability. On migration, deforestation across the Sahel and drought conditions reduce refueling stopover quality. On wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa, habitat loss and hunting present additional threats. Comprehensive welfare improvement requires addressing multiple pressures across the migratory range.