Grey-streaked flycatcher

　Come autumn, it is common to spot small birds migrating even in city parks. A prime example of this is the Grey-streaked Flycatcher. From late September to early October, it can be observed at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

　It breeds in northern regions such as Siberia and is a migratory bird that passes through Japan during the migration season. Although it also migrates in spring, it is overwhelmingly more commonly seen in autumn.

　It is characterised by vertical stripes running from its breast to its belly. Like other members of the flycatcher family, it takes off from tree branches, catches small insects in mid-air and returns to the same branch—a behaviour that gives it its English name, ‘flycatcher’.