Semi-collared Flycatcher
Scientific Name: Ficedula semitorquataMaltese Name: Zanzarell tal-Lvant
Family: Flycatchers (Muscicapidae)
Occurence: Rare
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Semi-collared Flycatcher breeds in the southeastern corner of Europe, the Middle East and southwestern Asia. It is migratory, wintering in Africa. It is a rare vagrant in western Europe. It is intermediate in appearance between Collared Flycatcher and European Pied Flycatcher. The breeding male is mainly black above and white below, with a white half-collar, extending further back than in Pied, large white wing patch, extensively white tail sides and a large white forehead patch. It has a pale grey rump. The bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. It mainly takes insects in flight. Semi-collared Flycatchers are birds of deciduous woodlands, especially Oak and Hornbeam, in mountainous areas. They build an open nest in a tree hole, and 4-7 eggs are laid.
Status:
A Rare spring migrant, generally up to three birds recorded per year, although numbers have increased in recent years. For example in 2009 there are 8 records of Semi-collared Flycatcher while in 2010 there are over 20 records.
When to See:
Mid-March till late April. Only 2 records in Autumn.
Where to See:
May bee seen anywhere with good tree cover. Ghadira and Simar Nature Reserves are two good spots.
Photographs:
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Male Semi-collared Flycatcher, 27th March 2010, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Male Semi-collared Flycatcher, 26th March 2009, Ghadira Nature Reserve | Male Semi-collared Flycatcher, 23rd March 2010, Simar Nature Reserve |
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Male Semi-collared Flycatcher, 22nd March 2010, Dwejra Malta |
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| 1st Record of Semi-collared Flycatcher, 25th March 1976, Salina | Female Semi-collared Flycatcher, 7th April 2010, Comino |
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