Collared FLycatcher
Scientific Name: Ficedula albicollisMaltese Name: Zanzarell tal-Kullar
Family: Flycatchers (Muscicapidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Collared Flycatcher is very similar to the Pied Flycatcher both in identification and behavior. As it name implies, males only have a distinctive white collar around its neck with black and white plumage. The males are very straight forward to identify but caution should be taken when identifying females as are very similar to its related species. It breeds in Eastern Europe, north of Baltic islands and is irregular and scarce in Western Europe. It breeds in holes in trees in deciduous forests and also in big gardens. Often exposing itself from a twig or exposed branch, waiting with patience to catch an insect in flight. Collared Flycatchers migrate to Africa for the winter.
Status:
Common spring migrant and appears in autumn in smaller numbers being rather scarce. Falls occasionally occur in spring.
When to See:
Spring; March until early May, autumn in September until October
Where to See:
Prefers wooded areas, valleys, fields with some bushes and places with a few trees present. Comino is a very good site; otherwise our local nature reserves are also very suitable.
Photographs:
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Male Collared Flycatcher, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Male Collared Flycatcher, Rabat | Female Collared Flycatcher, Comino |
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Male Collared Flycatcher, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Female & Male Collared Flycatcher, Simar Nature Reserve |
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