Collared Flycatcher

The Collared Flycatcher is part of a group of 4 species of the genus Ficedula whose breeding male is bicolored, white and black. Two of them are nesters of the western Europe and in France, the Collared Flycatcher and the Black Flycatcher. Roughly speaking, on its breeding grounds, the male has black upper parts, with a white spot on the forehead and white markings on the wings, and its underparts contrasted white. However, the same is true for the male Black Flycatcher. Consequently, one must remain aware. Its song is already a very good initial clue. In addition, as its name implies, the Collared Flycatcher has a full white collar in continuity with its white throat. On the other hand, the Black Flycatcher only has an outline under the ear. At the back of the body, the male Collared Flycatcher shows a pale grey rump, clearly visible when the wings are moved and a fully black tail. Whereas, the male Black Flycatcher has a black rump and a white in its outermost rectrices, indiscernible while at rest. One must look out for its wing projection length, that is to say the tip thereof, a common characteristic of large migratory birds. Its bill and legs are black and its eyes dark brown. The second-year male has less defined, uniform and contrasted plumage.
Female identification is more complex as female Black or White Flycatchers are strikingly similar. Upper parts are brown with darker wings and tail, and white markings on the wings. The brown is tinged with grey on the female Collared Flycatcher, who has the largest white spot at the base of its outermost primaries. On the breeding grounds, with which males it is associated, it is the most convenient way to identify it. The locality, the habitat and its song will also help.The juvenile has the mottled plumage like other young flycatchers and strong white at the tip of the secondary coverts, at the base of the outer primaries and on the three outer rectrices.