Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)

Spotted Flycatcher is one of the last Spring migrants to arrive, usually in early May.  They breed on the Common most years and favour the mature Oak woodland on the south east side.  On first glance Spotted Flycatchers look quite dull grey- brown birds but on closer look you will see streaking on its head and faint grey streaking on its white chest.  It’s their behaviour though that is a pleasure to watch, as they regularly flit out from a high perch to catch flying insects before returning to the same spot.  Its call is a very unassuming tseep sound that can take a bit of practice to pick up.  A Spotted Flycatcher call can be heard at the following page:

Spotted Flycatcher Call