Semi-collared Flycatcher
Ficedula semitorquata (Homeyer, 1885)
Order Passeriformes
Family Muscicapidae
Conservation status: in Bulgaria: VU B[2(a)] +C, BDA-II; International: IUCN-NT, BeC-II, BoC-II, ECS-Spec 2.
General distribution. A European species with a breeding area in almost the whole of Southeastern Europe, Asia Minor and the western parts of Iran [1].
Distribution and abundance in Bulgaria. Because of its classification in the past as a subspecies of the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis), it is hard to follow up the development of the population. A possible decline caused by the more intensive felling of older forests, especially in the 1950-1980 period [2, 3]. At present, the numbers are uneven, in most of the habitats tens of pairs/100 km2 breed. The highest (more than 100 pairs/100 km2) numbers are in some riverside forests and in the larger valley and low-mountainous forests. Usually the density decreases with the increase of the altitude. Most of the population is concentrated in the Eastern and the Central Balkan range, the dense forests along the lower reaches of the rivers Batova, Kamchiya and Ropotamo, and in Strandzha mountain. As a total number for the country, some 1 500 – 3 500 pairs breed [2, 3].
Habitats. Mainly old, predominantly natural deciduous forests consisting of raywood ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa), oak (Quercus spp.), beech (Fagus silvatica, Fagus orientalis), etc. Comparatively less often, old orchards, woody plantations, town parks and gardens [2, 3]. The habitats are from the sea level to altitudes of 800 m, less often at altitudes of up to 1 500 m [2].
Biology. It places its nest is in hollows of trees (including artificial bird houses), usually at a height of 3-6 m. It lays 4-7 eggs, in May. There are 1-2 clutches. The female incubates in the course of 12-14 days [4].
Similar species. The Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis).
Negative factors. Felling old forests; major felling and other forestry activities during the multiplication period.
Conservation measures taken. A comparatively large part of the population is in Protected Territories (the reserves Kamchiya, Baltata, the Strandzha Natural Park, etc.).
Conservation measures needed. Placing under protection all major habitats.
References. 1. BirdLife International, 2004; 2. Georgiev, Vasilev, Dereliev, Iankov, 2006; 3. Georgiev, 2004; 4. Cramp, Perrins (eds), 1993.
Authors: Dimitar Georgiev, Petar Iankov
