We were very pleased to have a breeding pair in our garden last year. They made a nest in the ivy near the potting shed, and fed off the flies from the plants and flowers in that area. Mainly grass, and ground cover greenery, but a honeysuckle grows up the side of the potting shed door, as well as a rose or two around the walls.
The area is a little damp and dark, and has a lot of Crocosmia growing, so there are plenty of flies in the summer. It was wonderful to watch them perch in the honeysuckle and launch to catch the flies, then feed the young. The visitors had four fledglings, and they all survived. We live in hope for a return visit of this rare bird this next year.
Length
14 cm
Maximum Recorded Age
7 years, 0 months
Typical Lifespan
2 years
Age at First Breeding
1 year
First clutches laid
Early June
Number of broods
2
Number in Britain
110,000 (and depleting each year)
Conservation Status UK
Red
Status in UK
Migrant Breeder, Passage Visitor
Fledging
13-16 days
Wingspan
24cm
Weight
17g
Habitat
Open woodland, gardens
First Record
1666
Egg Size
19x14 mm
Egg Weight
1.9 g
Clutch Size
4-5 eggs
Incubation
13-15 days
£45.95
£14.95
£19.95
£19.67