The Spotted Flycatcher - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Practice Test Plus 3 General Training Reading Test 1 · Part 3 · Questions 28–40
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 28-40 which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
The Spotted Flycatcher
A
Despite its rather dull plumage and less than impressive vocal repertoire, the Spotted Flycatcher has always attracted a great deal of public attention in Britain. However, the bird is resident here for only a small part of the year. Although one of the last summer visitors to arrive, it begins to move south in late July, heading through western France and Iberia from August to October, and reaching North Africa in September. Recoveries of birds that have been ringed suggest that many winter in coastal West Africa, but others continue south to cross the Equator. Just how far south the birds winter is unclear; one juvenile ringed in Wales during August (which could have been on passage from a breeding area outside Britain) was recovered in South Africa the following March.
B
In the eighteenth century, Gilbert White, one of the first English naturalists to make careful observations of his surroundings and record these in a systematic way, commented that the annual return of ‘his’ Spotted Flycatchers occurred almost exactly to the day. An examination of his journals confirms this consistency in arrival dates, with a concentration of sightings around 20 May each year. Records logged through a British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)-led project show that the pattern of arrival still delivers the bulk of Spotted Flycatchers to Britain in the second half of May, though average arrival dates may now be slightly earlier than they were during White’s time.
C
Most Spotted Flycatcher nests are built against a vertical surface, such as a wall, but some may be positioned on a beam, and very occasionally, the species will make use of a hole. Although both sexes get involved in building the nest, it is the female who does most of the work. The nest itself is a fairly delicate structure, slightly built and containing moss, wool, hair and cobwebs. The female will deposit four or five eggs or, rarely, six, into this before she initiates incubation – a job that she undertakes almost entirely on her own. Bouts of incubation are broken by short periods of seven to ten minutes, when the female may leave the nest to feed. While she is away the male will appear, typically as if from nowhere, to watch the nest, very occasionally even settling on the eggs.
D
Once the eggs hatch, the female will continue to brood them until they are seven to ten days old; the young are blind and naked through to day five. Both sexes will then provide food for the growing chicks, sometimes bringing them through to successful fledging, and avoiding the unwelcome attentions of nest predators like cats. Newly fledged young are fairly conspicuous; noisily, they continue to beg for food from their parents for at least another 10-12 days. The pair may then initiate another breeding attempt, sometimes in the same nest. There are records of young from the first brood attending and feeding young from the second brood, a behaviour that also occurs in a number of other bird species.
E
Over the main period of egg production females take more calcium-rich prey (like small snails and woodlice). If a second batch of eggs is laid, the number of eggs is reduced to three or four, probably reflecting a reduction in the availability of insect prey later in the season. Research has shown that on cold days (or in the cool of early morning) the Spotted Flycatcher switches from taking larger, aerial insect prey to gleaning smaller prey from amongst foliage. These smaller prey are likely to be less nutritious, and a run of cooler days late in the breeding season may reduce the chances of the birds successfully rearing a second brood.
F
The Spotted Flycatcher lacks the more brightly marked plumage of many other birds, and the lack of easily recognisable features means it can be mistaken for another, equally drab species, such as the Dunnock, or even the female House Sparrow. Fortunately, the Spotted Flycatcher can also be identified from its behaviour. Spotted Flycatchers are seldom seen on the ground, but usually feed from a perch, making sallies after aerial insects. The flycatcher often adopts an upright posture when perching, making the bird appear rather sleek. Additionally, it is rare to see several Spotted Flycatchers together unless they happen to be a family of two adults feeding newly-fledged young (the latter looking very different from their parents because of their strongly patterned plumage). One other feature is the audible snapping sound that the bill sometimes makes when the bird snatches an insect from the air.
G
Data from the BTO show an 86 percent downturn in the breeding population of Spotted Flycatchers over the period 1967–2006, a pattern seemingly repeated elsewhere in Europe, where numbers are estimated to have fallen by 59 percent since 1980. However, ongoing and planned work should help to reveal the underlying causes of this trend. In particular, the BTO has a project to analyse nest data already collected. Work will need to be carried out elsewhere as well, looking at the Spotted Flycatcher in its wintering grounds. Understanding the factors that drive Spotted Flycatcher numbers should stimulate conservation action and help to secure the future of this bird.
Questions
Questions 28–34 Matching Headings
The text above has SEVEN paragraphs, A-G.
Choose the correct heading, i-ix, from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-ix.
i. A breeding partnership
ii. Danger from predators
iii. Geographic range
iv. Seasonal changes in diet
v. The regularity of first sightings
vi. A lack of accurate data
vii. Reversing the decline
viii. Rearing the young
ix. Physical features
Questions 35–38 Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Identifying the Spotted Flycatcher
The Spotted Flycatcher can be hard to identify, as its singing is unremarkable, and its feathers are quite 35 . It can best be distinguished by its behaviour.
The Spotted Flycatcher usually waits for its prey on a 36
It is normally seen alone, or as part of a 37 . Finally, when it catches prey it often produces a 38 .
Questions 39–40 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q28 | iii | Although one of the last summer visitors to arrive, it begins to move south in late July, heading through western France and Iberia from August to October, and reaching North Africa in September. Recoveries of birds that have been ringed suggest that many winter in coastal West Africa, but others continue south to cross the Equator | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains the migration path of the bird, starting in Britain and moving through several other countries and regions until it reaches far into Africa. Answer Explanation: The answer means the list of places around the world where the Spotted Flycatcher lives and travels during the year. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'iii' because Paragraph A describes the bird's long journey from Britain to various parts of Africa. It uses names of many places like France, North Africa, West Africa, and South Africa to show the large area—or geographic range—the bird covers. The paragraph focuses on where the bird goes in different months, using words like 'move south', 'heading through', and 'reaching'. |
| Q29 | v | An examination of his journals confirms this consistency in arrival dates, with a concentration of sightings around 20 May each year | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that when researchers looked at an expert's old notes, they saw that the birds always arrived at the same time. Most people saw the birds for the first time around May 20th every year. Answer Explanation: The answer 'The regularity of first sightings' means that the Spotted Flycatcher bird arrives back in Britain at the same time every year, and people see them for the first time on almost the same dates. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is correct because Paragraph B focuses on the timing of when the birds return to Britain. It explains that historic records show a 'consistency' (which means staying the same) in when the birds arrive. The text mentions that they arrive around May 20th each year, and more recent records show this pattern of arrival is still mostly the same. |
| Q30 | i | Although both sexes get involved in building the nest, it is the female who does most of the work. The nest itself is a fairly delicate structure, slightly built and containing moss, wool, hair and cobwebs. The female will deposit four or five eggs or, rarely, six, into this before she initiates incubation – a job that she undertakes almost entirely on her own. Bouts of incubation are broken by short periods of seven to ten minutes, when the female may leave the nest to feed. While she is away the male will appear, typically as if from nowhere, to watch the nest, very occasionally even settling on the eggs | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that both parents help build the nest. It also describes a routine where the mother sits on the eggs to keep them warm, and the father takes over the job of protecting the nest while the mother is away eating. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Paragraph C is about how the male and female birds work together as a team to create their home and keep their eggs safe. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is i ('A breeding partnership') because the paragraph describes how the male and female birds cooperate during the nesting process. It mentions that 'both sexes' help build the nest. It also explains that while the female does the main job of sitting on the eggs, the male supports her by watching the nest when she takes breaks to eat. This shared responsibility to raise a family represents a 'partnership.' |
| Q31 | viii | Once the eggs hatch, the female will continue to brood them until they are seven to ten days old; the young are blind and naked through to day five. Both sexes will then provide food for the growing chicks, sometimes bringing them through to successful fledging, and avoiding the unwelcome attentions of nest predators like cats. Newly fledged young are fairly conspicuous; noisily, they continue to beg for food from their parents for at least another 10-12 days. The pair may then initiate another breeding attempt, sometimes in the same nest | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage describes the process of how parent birds take care of their babies from the time they are born without feathers until they are old enough to fly and beg for food outside the nest. Answer Explanation: The answer is heading viii, which is 'Rearing the young.' To 'rear' means to look after and raise a child or baby animal until it is fully grown. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is viii because Paragraph D is entirely about how the parents raise their babies (chicks). It describes the steps after the eggs hatch, such as keeping the chicks warm ('brooding'), feeding them until they are strong enough to fly ('fledging'), and protecting them from dangers like cats. All these actions are part of 'rearing' the young birds. |
| Q32 | iv | Over the main period of egg production females take more calcium-rich prey (like small snails and woodlice). If a second batch of eggs is laid, the number of eggs is reduced to three or four, probably reflecting a reduction in the availability of insect prey later in the season. Research has shown that on cold days (or in the cool of early morning) the Spotted Flycatcher switches from taking larger, aerial insect prey to gleaning smaller prey from amongst foliage | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that the bird eats different things (like snails or insects from leaves) depending on whether it is currently laying eggs, the time of the season, or if the weather is cold. Answer Explanation: The answer 'iv' indicates that Paragraph E describes how the types of food the Spotted Flycatcher eats change depending on the time of year or the weather. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'iv' because Paragraph E explains the bird's feeding habits during different parts of the breeding season. It notes that females eat calcium-rich food like snails when they are making eggs, and that they switch the type of insects they catch based on how cold the day is. The paragraph specifically mentions the 'availability of insect prey later in the season,' which highlights a change in their diet (what they eat) over time. |
| Q33 | ix | The Spotted Flycatcher lacks the more brightly marked plumage of many other birds, and the lack of easily recognisable features means it can be mistaken for another, equally drab species, such as the Dunnock, or even the female House Sparrow The flycatcher often adopts an upright posture when perching, making the bird appear rather sleek |
Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the bird does not have bright colors on its feathers and looks very similar to other plain birds. It also describes how the bird stands tall while sitting, which gives its body a smooth and slim look. Answer Explanation: The answer ix means that Paragraph F describes the physical appearance and body characteristics of the Spotted Flycatcher. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is ix because the paragraph focuses on the bird's appearance and physical traits. It discusses the bird's feathers (called plumage), which are simple and not colorful. It also describes the bird's body shape or 'posture' when it sits, and how its plain look makes it difficult to tell apart from other species like the House Sparrow. These details are all physical features that define what the bird looks like. |
| Q34 | vii | Data from the BTO show an 86 percent downturn in the breeding population of Spotted Flycatchers over the period 1967–2006, a pattern seemingly repeated elsewhere in Europe, where numbers are estimated to have fallen by 59 percent since 1980 Understanding the factors that drive Spotted Flycatcher numbers should stimulate conservation action and help to secure the future of this bird |
Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage first mentions a massive drop (an 86 percent downturn) in the number of birds over several decades. It then explains that by understanding why this is happening, people can take actions to protect them (conservation action) and make sure the birds survive in the future. Answer Explanation: The answer vii means that this section of the text focuses on the falling number of Spotted Flycatchers and the plans to stop this trend and save the species. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is vii because Paragraph G provides specific statistics about the drop in bird numbers, describing an '86 percent downturn' in Britain and a 59 percent fall in Europe. These numbers show a clear 'decline.' The paragraph then mentions 'ongoing and planned work' and 'conservation action' intended to 'secure the future' of the bird, which describes the efforts to 'reverse' or fix the decreasing population. |
| Q35 | drab / dull | Despite its rather dull plumage and less than impressive vocal repertoire, the Spotted Flycatcher has always attracted a great deal of public attention in Britain | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that even though the bird's feathers (plumage) are not bright and its singing (vocal repertoire) is not very special, people still like the bird. Answer Explanation: The answer "drab" or "dull" means that the bird's feathers are not colorful or exciting; they look very plain and boring. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "drab" or "dull" because the passage uses these adjectives to describe the bird's feathers, which it calls "plumage." In Paragraph A, the text mentions "dull plumage," and in Paragraph F, it refers to it as a "drab species." These words are synonyms for something that lacks color or brightness, which explains why the bird is hard to identify. |
| Q36 | perch | Spotted Flycatchers are seldom seen on the ground, but usually feed from a perch, making sallies after aerial insects | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that these birds are almost never found on the ground; instead, they sit on a high place or branch to hunt for flying insects. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to a specific spot, like a branch or a high place, where the bird sits to wait for food. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in Paragraph F, which discusses the unique behaviors of the Spotted Flycatcher that help people identify it. The text mentions that these birds are rarely seen on the ground because they prefer to wait and eat from a "perch." From this sitting spot, they fly out to catch insects in the air (aerial insects). |
| Q37 | family | Additionally, it is rare to see several Spotted Flycatchers together unless they happen to be a family of two adults feeding newly-fledged young (the latter looking very different from their parents because of their strongly patterned plumage) | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that these birds are typically seen by themselves. The only common exception to this is when they are with their family members, specifically the adults and their young children who have just learned to fly. Answer Explanation: The answer "family" refers to a group made up of bird parents and their babies. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by the text, which mentions that it is very unusual or "rare" to see more than one Spotted Flycatcher in the same place. The group size is limited because they do not usually hang out together. The only time you might see a group of them is when they are part of a "family" consisting of the two parents and their young birds. |
| Q38 | snapping sound | One other feature is the audible snapping sound that the bill sometimes makes when the bird snatches an insect from the air | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that you can identify this bird by the clicking noise its beak makes when it catches a bug while flying. Answer Explanation: The answer "snapping sound" refers to a quick, sharp noise that the bird makes with its beak when it grabs an insect. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "snapping sound" because the text describes unique behaviors used to identify the Spotted Flycatcher. In the passage, it mentions that when the bird catches an insect (which is its prey) from the air, it makes a noise that can be heard. The text uses the word "snatches" as a synonym for "catches," and "insect" as a specific type of "prey." |
| Q39 | D | Recoveries of birds that have been ringed suggest that many winter in coastal West Africa, but others continue south to cross the Equator | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that based on tracking tags, some birds fly past the middle line of the Earth (the Equator) as they go south for the winter. Answer Explanation: The answer means that some of these birds travel from the northern half of the world to the southern half. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the passage explains that while many of these birds stay in West Africa during the winter, some fly further and 'cross the Equator.' The Equator is the line that separates the northern and southern hemispheres. By crossing this line, the birds are moving between the two hemispheres. The text also gives an example of a bird that was found in South Africa after leaving Britain, showing they make this long journey between the north and the south. |
| Q40 | B | The pair may then initiate another breeding attempt, sometimes in the same nest | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the mother and father birds might try to have babies again, and they can use the same nest they already have for this new group. Answer Explanation: The answer means that these birds might use the same nest to raise more than one group of babies. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the text mentions that after a group of babies (a 'brood') matures, the parents might try to have more babies ('another breeding attempt') and sometimes they use the 'same nest' they used before. The other options are incorrect because the passage says the nests are 'delicate' (the opposite of sturdy), the female does most of the building (not the male), and they lay at most six eggs (not ten). |