Red-breasted Flycatcher vs European Pied Flycatcher

In short

The Red-breasted Flycatcher and European Pied Flycatcher are both small, Old World flycatchers, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and vocalizations. The Red-breasted Flycatcher is notable for its orange-red throat in males, while the European Pied Flycatcher is characterized by its black-and-white plumage in males. Listen for differences in song, especially during the breeding season.

Identification tips

• Male plumage: Look for the orange-red throat in male Red-breasted Flycatchers versus the black-and-white pattern in male European Pied Flycatchers.
• Female and juvenile plumage: Both species can appear similar, but the Red-breasted Flycatcher tends to have a more uniform greyish tone.
• Song: During the breeding season, listen for the Red-breasted Flycatcher's sweet, high-pitched notes compared to the European Pied Flycatcher's more varied song.
• Habitat: Consider the habitat; Red-breasted Flycatchers prefer denser forests, while European Pied Flycatchers are more adaptable to open woodlands.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of small flycatchers.

Plumage

Male Red-breasted Flycatchers have a distinctive orange-red throat and a generally greyish upperpart, while female and juvenile birds are more subdued with a brownish-grey appearance. The European Pied Flycatcher males are striking with black upperparts and white underparts, while females and juveniles are brownish with a less contrasting pattern.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical flycatcher behavior, such as sallying from perches to catch insects. They may be seen in similar postures and movements.

Habitat

Both species prefer wooded habitats, but the Red-breasted Flycatcher is more often found in deciduous and mixed forests, while the European Pied Flycatcher can also be found in more open woodlands and gardens.

Voice

The Red-breasted Flycatcher's song is a series of high-pitched, sweet notes, while the European Pied Flycatcher has a more varied song with a mix of whistles and trills. Calls differ as well, with the Red-breasted Flycatcher having a soft 'trrr' call.