Spotted Flycatcher

🔍 Overview
A slim, subtly beautiful summer visitor that’s sadly declining in Sussex. Typically seen sallying out from open perches to catch insects mid-air.

🪶 Key Identification Features

• Size: Small (14–15 cm)

• Plumage: Grey-brown upperparts, streaked breast

• Distinctive Marks: Fine streaking on crown and chest

• Bill: Short and broad

• Tail: Fairly long, often flicked

• Flight: Agile with sudden darts

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution
Scattered across Sussex in open woodland, churchyards, and large gardens from May to August. Seen from Cissbury to Chanctonbury and Hollingbury Hill.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour
Very quiet – thin ‘tsee’ call. Perches openly and flits out to catch flying insects.

🍴 Diet
Flying insects, especially flies, beetles, and moths.

📸 Birding Tip
Scan churchyards or old orchards with mature trees for upright perching birds.