Large Blue Flycatcher
Cyornis magnirostris
Typical blue flycatcher; male is bright blue above and orange below, while female is grayish-brown above with a light orange suffusion on her pale belly. Breeds in eastern Himalayan foothill forests and winters in more open habitat in lowlands of Thai-Malay peninsula. Combination of orange throat, long broad bill, and extensive orange on underparts (stretching from the throat down to the belly) serve to distinguish male from other similar species. Dull female is lighter-colored and has a paler throat than similar Chinese Blue-Flycatcher. Closely related Hill Blue Flycatcher is extremely similar and identification may be safer when based on range; visually, look for Large Blue’s slightly larger bill with a more pronounced hooked tip, paler throat in relation to the chest, and paler pinkish legs. Gives a high, sweet song with harsh rattling notes interspersed; averages longer than similar song of Hill Blue Flycatcher.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Cyornis magnirostris
- Authority
- Blyth, 1849
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Cyornis
Range and habitat
- Breeding range
- OR : e Himalayas
- Non-breeding range
- Burma, Thailand and Malay Pen.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Conservation
The large blue flycatcher is not a threatened species globally. This species, known for its remarkable sexual dimorphism and vivid coloration, is still a rare sighting, although it is considered to be of the least concern category.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-headed Antthrush
Formicarius nigricapillus
Antthrushes are rotund creatures that walk along the forest floor with a bobbing gait. They have short tails that are usually cocked straight up. Black-headed is very dark overall, browner toward the rear with a blacker head. Also note the teardrop-shaped pale skin around the eye. Secretive and difficult to spot, although sometimes seen walking along forest trails. Far more often heard than seen. Listen for fast whistled song, a fairly long series of notes rising in pitch.
Black-headed Myzomela
Myzomela melanocephala
A distinctive myzomela with a relatively long downcurved bill and an entirely black face and throat forming a “mask.” Body yellowish and wings darker olive-green. Common in all habitats. Similar to Olive-backed Sunbird, but has a dark face and a pale throat, and is much duller yellow below. Voice is a sweet, high-pitched “chip-chip.”
Long-tailed Widowbird
Euplectes progne
Large dark widowbird. Breeding males, with massive tails and red and white highlights on their broad black wings, are unmistakable. Non-breeding males lose their long tails and become streaky and brown but keep the distinctive wing pattern. Females are brown and streaky year-round. Breeds in moist grassland but sometimes found in cultivation and other open habitats. Usually in flocks, especially when not breeding. Males give a very slow display flight in which the huge tail hangs down. Song is a sizzling trill. Females could be confused with many other species but even during the non-breeding season usually associate with males, which show a distinctive wing pattern.
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