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.
Identification
The large blue flycatcher (Cyornis magnirostris) is a medium-sized bird species characterized by distinctive sexual dimorphism along with most others of the Flycatcher family. This species of bird is in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in the eastern Himalayas, from Nepal to Bangladesh. It winters in the northern Malay Peninsula.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cyornis; Family: Muscicapidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- 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..
- Breeding range
- OR : e Himalayas
- Non-breeding range
- Burma, Thailand and Malay Pen.
- Migration
- Complete migrants
Behavior
Migration pattern: 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
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Pygmy Cupwing
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Essentially a tiny brown tennis ball supported by tiny chopsticks. Dark brown above with densely packed black-and-white scaling on the underside. Gives the impression of a tailless rodent as it makes its way furtively through dense shrubbery and leaf litter. Can be quite vocal and is jarringly loud for its size, giving single well-spaced piercing whistles on different high pitches, and occasionally an accelerating, usually rising rapid series of whistles. Also gives a sharp chip.
Scottish Crossbill
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Crossed bill tips give crossbills their name. Only found in pine forests of Scotland, where uncommon and local. As a rule, not safely identified in the field because it looks intermediate between smaller-billed Common (Red) Crossbill and bigger-billed Parrot Crossbill (both of which can occur in same areas). With experience (and computer analysis!), may be identified by voice. Like other crossbills, found in pairs or flocks feeding quietly on pine cones or calling excitedly before taking off in wide-ranging, bounding flight. Male plumage reddish overall; female grayish green overall, with brighter rump.
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