European pied flycatcher

Ficedula hypoleuca

General information. The European pied flycatcher is a familiar visitor of summer gardens and yards. The male is easily discernible by its black-and-white plumage and energetic song. The female has a brown back and lighter colored belly. The nesting population in Finland has remained relatively stable over an extended time period.

• Length 14 cm
• Nests in tree cavities or nesting boxes
• Winters in South Africa
• Feeds on insects and spiders

Habitat. The European pied flycatcher is not particularly demanding in terms of habitats. It can be found nesting in proximity to yards, in gardens and parks but also deep in remote forests. As a cavity nester, it requires a suitable amount of natural cavities or nesting boxes in which it can build its nest from grass and pine bark.

Distribution in Vaasa. The European pied flycatcher is a common species that was observed in over 200 survey blocks. It has spread evenly across the entire city area and is found nesting on the mainland as well as in the archipelago.