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
Pallas's Bunting
Emberiza pallasi
Very similar to Reed Bunting, but smaller and more slender; also note finer bill, colder pale buffy-brown (instead of rufous) wing coverts, and less extensive streaking on the underparts. Breeding male has a black hood and bright white “moustache” stripe. Female and non-breeding birds are pale sandy brown with a pale but noticeable white “moustache.” Breeds in thickets and vegetation clusters in tundra and winters in reedbeds and tall grassy or brushy areas near water, where often associated with mixed-species flocks. Song is a series of wet buzzy “tsli” notes. “Chlip” calls distinctly sparrow-like.
Golden Palm Weaver
Ploceus bojeri
Breeding male is bright yellow with a mostly orange head. The female is duller, though still very yellow. Both sexes show a dark eye in all plumages. Found in coastal savanna and scrub, often in areas with abundant palms, and inland along rivers through dry country. Similar to African Golden-Weaver, and ranges overlap, but separated by the blackish rather than red eyes. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chet” notes and a sizzling “radio static” song.
Green-backed Gerygone
Gerygone chloronota
Small plain bird with thin bill. Upperparts greenish brown, underparts mostly off-white, with gray crown, sharply contrasting white throat. Inhabits variety of tropical habitats, usually near water. Forages unobtrusively in mid-canopy. Calls sound more urgent than those of other gerygones.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.