SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (MUSCICAPA STRIATA)
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

OBJECTIVES

Halt and reverse the current decline in breeding pairs.

LOCAL TARGETS

Targets awaited.

CURRENT STATUS

The spotted flycatcher is a Red List species on the list of Birds of Conservation Concern (RSPB, 1996), its numbers having declined in the UK by >50% over the last 25 years, it is also a species with an unfavourable conservation status in Europe. The spotted flycatcher is protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

Common Bird Census data has indicated a 62% decline in woodland and 70% decline on farmland between 1968 and 1991, with the current UK population being estimated at around 130,000 pairs.

A widespread summer migrant, the spotted flycatcher favours broadleaved woodland, hedgerows and mature trees, parkland and large gardens.

The Cheshire population has been estimated at 1000 - 1250 pairs (Guest et al, 1992).

THREATS

• Changes in agricultural practice resulting in a low availability of invertebrates during the summer.
• Loss of nesting habitat due to loss of:
  - woodland
  - parks
  - hedgerows
• Weather effects:
  - earlier breeding with warmer temperatures
  - clutch sizes larger in drier weather

CURRENT ACTION

• The Countryside Stewardship Scheme provides grant aid to farmers to encourage environmentally sensitive management practices - options under this scheme will enhance the favoured habitat of the spotted flycatcher.
• Little action has been taken directly to conserve this species, although the provision of nestboxes will have encouraged breeding.
• The maintenance and creation of woodland clearings and rides will have benefited the species.
• BTO Common Bird Census and Breeding Bird Survey are on going.

ACTION REQUIRED IN 2006+

• Undertake a study into the summer ecology and habitat of the spotted flycatcher.
• Form a LBAP Action Group for this species.
• Establish links with existing farmland habitat and farmland bird LBAP groups.
• Liase closely with landowners/managers of suitable habitat for spotted flycatchers, to maintain and enhance quality of habitat.
• Encourage spotted flycatcher nest box provision in key areas.
• Consider the needs of spotted flycatchers in general advice on woodland management.
• Establish key distribution and controlling factors of the spotted flycatcher population specific to the Cheshire region.
• Raise awareness of the decline of the spotted flycatcher and its habitat requirements.
  
  

ACTION COMPLETED PREVIOUSLY

None

ACTUAL LBAP IMPLEMENTERS

None

OTHER POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTERS

CONTACT

Lee Greenhough
Phone: 01270 610180
Fax: 01270 610430

REFERENCES

HMSO (1995) : Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 1: Meeting the Rio Challenge, London.
HMSO (1995): Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report, Volume 2: Action Plans, London.

Date compiled - 2001
Date reviewed -

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