Collarde flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis)

Species and habitat description

This is a 13 cm long songbird, it weights about 12-15 gramm. The males are striking black-and-white flycatchers with a conspicuous complete white collar and all dark tail, white rump. Females more difficult to separate from other flycatchers but have large white primary patch in the wing. Breeds in deciduous forests, nesting in cavities and quick to take advantage of nest boxes. The song is a high-pitched series of whistled notes; alarm call is a dry “pik.”
This species inhabits open forest, forest edges, moist woodland, open country with scattered trees, and well-timbered parks and avenues. It is also found secondarily in gardens and orchards, which it vacates to return to woods immediately after breeding. It requires old trees offering nest-holes high enough above ground and prefers deciduous woodland.
Egg-laying occurs from mid-April to early July in central Europe and from late April in Ukraine. The nest is a cup of dry grass, leaves and stalks, lined with fine grass and placed 3-32 m (usually 10-15 m) above ground in a hole in a tree, wall or building.

Major threats

Habitat fragmentation. Eliminated dead woods and mixture species.

Specific conservation action

Increase the diversification of the age and size of the trees, make standing deadwood.