DNA-identification of a Dutch Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata, May 2021. ...

In early July 2021 I was approached by FJ Hoogstra (FJH) and Gijs Baller (GB), with the request if it was possible to identify a putative Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata based on fecal samples. The main problem was to exclude a possible hybrid between European Pied Flycatcher F. hypoleuca and Collared Flycatcher F. albicollis . Such hybrids can be deceptively similar to semitorquata . By sequencing an mtDNA ND6 fragment of 324 bp. in the fecal samples, the bird was found to be indeed a Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata. ...