The European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) is mainly insectivorous but also feeds on spiders, ants, bees and similar prey. It habitually flits in and out of trees, grabbing insects in flight. It also searches for insects on tree trunks and on the ground. Migratory – wintering mainly in tropical Africa – it breeds in most of Europe and across the Western Palearctic. The breeding male is mainly black above and white below, with a large white wing patch, white tail sides and a small forehead patch. Non-breeding males, females and juveniles have the black replaced by a pale brown. Found in mature woodland, parks and gardens, it has a preference for oak trees.
