Mediterranean flycatcher

Taxonomy

Guido Schiebel first described the Mediterranean flycatcher in 1910 as a subspecies of the spotted flycatcher, naming it Muscicapa striata tyrrhenica. A 2016 molecular phylogenetic study found the insular subspecies M. s. tyrrhenica and M. s. balearica genetically similar to each other but distinct from other spotted flycatcher subspecies, leading to the proposal that they be treated as a separate species. Two subspecies are recognised: M. t. balearica from the Balearic Islands and M. t. tyrrhenica from Corsica and Sardinia.

Description

This slim bird measures about 14.5 cm in length and weighs 14–20 g. Its upperparts are dull grey-brown, the underparts off-white, with brown streaking on the crown, throat and breast; wings and tail show pale edging. The subspecies M. t. tyrrhenica has paler, warmer upperparts and more diffuse head and breast markings. Juveniles display ochre-buff spots above and scaly brown spots below.

Behaviour and ecology

These birds hunt from exposed perches, darting out to catch insects midair and often returning to the same spot. They sit with a notably upright stance.

Unlike most songbirds, they molt their outermost wing feathers first, working inward. Their call is a faint, high-pitched, descending tssssseeeeeppppp. They favor open spaces within deciduous woods, parks, and gardens.