Microbirdology

At Yarner Wood, on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, Pied Fycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) are the quintessential stars of the spring. Arriving in mid-April after an incredible 3,000-mile migration from sub-Saharan Africa, these tiny, 13-gram summer visitors seek out the reserve's ancient, shady sessile oak woodlands. The breeding males are strikingly dapper with their crisp black-and-white ("pied") plumage, prominent white wing patches, and a telltale white spot above the bill. The females are a more subtle, camouflaged olive-brown but share the same elegant, compact shape.    Yarner Wood is a famous stronghold for the species due to a decades-long conservation project managed by Natural England, which features an extensive network of specialized nest boxes. Because mature trees with natural cavities have become scarce, the flycatchers have adapted beautifully to these ready-made boxes, making them exceptionally rewarding to spot.   You can usually find them perched on lower ...