Wildlife

Spotted Flycatcher Breeding Welfare UK

Spotted flycatchers are among UK's most declined migrants, losing 87% of their population since 1967 due to declines in large flying insects.

Key Facts

UK spotted flycatcher population fell 87% between 1967 and 2016
Birds hunt large flying insects caught in mid-air from open perches
Gardens with open areas, shrubs and mature trees are important breeding habitat
Late spring arrival in May means late breeding - vulnerable to summer insect shortages
Climate change and Sahel drought on migration route add to UK breeding challenges

Welfare Considerations

The collapse of large flying insect populations means breeding pairs struggle to find sufficient food for chicks. Reduced invertebrate abundance likely causes both chick starvation and adult energy deficits during the energetically demanding breeding season.

What You Can Do

Create insect-friendly gardens with open areas and mature trees
Reduce or eliminate pesticide use to support flying insect prey
Report spotted flycatcher breeding to BTO BirdTrack
Support habitat restoration in West African wintering range through conservation charities