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European Pied Flycatcher
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[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
European Pied Flycatcher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
The Pied Flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca, is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family, one of the four species of Western Palearctic black-and-white flycatchers. It breeds in most of Europe and western Asia. It is migratory, wintering mainly in western Africa.
Description
This is a 12-13.5 cm long bird. The breeding male is mainly black above and white below, with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. The Iberian subspecies iberiae (known as Iberian Pied Flycatcher) has a larger forehead patch and a pale rump. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown, and may be very difficult to distinguish from other Ficedula flycatchers, particularly the Collared Flycatcher, with which this species hybridizes to a limited extent (Parkin 2003).
The bill is black, and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. As well as taking insects in flight, this species hunts caterpillars amongst the oak foliage, and will take berries. It is therefore a much earlier spring migrant than the more aerial Spotted Flycatcher, and its loud rhythmic and melodious song is characteristic of oak woods in spring.
They are birds of deciduous woodlands, parks and gardens, with a preference for oak trees. They build an open nest in a tree hole, and will readily adapt to an open-fronted nest box. 4-10 eggs are laid.
The very similar Atlas Flycatcher (Ficedula speculigera), of the mountains of north west Africa was formerly classed as subspecies of the Pied Flycatcher. |
goldyrs, marius-secan, Noisette has marked this note useful Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
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Ciao Jose. An interesting baclight for a right compo. Intrigant BG.
Roberto
Ciao Jose,
splendida cattura di Pigliamosche colto nel suo posatoio in attesa di fare il piccolo volo per catturare un insetto, bellissima atmosfera in questa gradevole composizione favorita dal leggero controluce.
GRazie e complimenti
Buona domenica
Ciao Maurizio
Ciao Jose, lovely composition with beautiful bird on a lovely blurry BG, splendid sharpness and wonderful natural colors, very well done my friend, have a good Sunday, ciao Silvio
A stunning pose captured beautifully, Jose!
Your timing is perfect!
bravo!
Goldy
Hello Jose,
Excellent details and superb colours. Great composition.
Wonderful capture.
Marius.
Hello Jose
very nice shot of this beautiful bird, great pose with head turned
excellent details on the plumage and wonderful grey BG
Have a good night
Jacqueline
Ciao Jose buoni i colori ottima composiziane
ciao Marco