Slaty-blue Flycatcher
Ficedula tricolor
Male is unique dark gray-blue above with a white throat, thin black chinstrap, and white undersides and tail base (often flashed when in flight). Female is plainer, dark brown above and lighter tan brown below, with a rufous-tinged tail; weak contrast and overall dark coloration distinguish her from other brown female flycatchers. Breeds in high-altitude and foothill forests and descends downhill to winter in scrubby areas, often in second growth. Often forages close to the ground. Song consists of an endless series of high, whistled “chee-chee-wit!”, often given from a low, hidden perch. Also gives hard, resonant “tak” notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ficedula tricolor
- Authority
- (Hodgson, 1845)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Ficedula
Range and habitat
It is found in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, ranging across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. A single sight was recorded from Sigiriya, Sri Lanka in February 1993.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rusty-backed Spinetail
Cranioleuca vulpina
A small long-tailed bird found in gallery forests near water, mostly foraging in the understory. Rusty above and pale below with a white eyebrow. Similar to Yellow-chinned Spinetail, but has a pale (not black) lower mandible. The song, usually given as a duet, is a series of high-pitched notes.
Sad Flycatcher
Myiarchus barbirostris
A woodland species that often perches quietly three to ten meters above the ground; tends to lean forward on its perch. Note its relatively small bill and the lack of rust on the wings and tail. Stolid Flycatcher is larger with a larger bill, and has rust on folded primaries unlike Sad Flycatcher. The Rufous-tailed Flycatcher is larger yet, has a darker gray head and chest, and has more rust on the tail and folded primaries. Vocalizations include an emphatic “pip,” given singly or a rapid series, a whistled trill, and various high twitters and squeaks; calls are often given in combination.
Boano Monarch
Symposiachrus boanensis
A striking black-and-white, heavy-billed flycatcher-like songbird confined to Boano Island. Black above, with black head and throat, white collar, and all-white underparts. Note broad white outer tail feathers. Juveniles gray above with buffy underside. Pairs or singles join mixed-species flocks in understory of lowland forest and forest edge. The species lacks a strong peach collar and wash on the breast, unlike Spectacled Monarch. Song is a level-pitched whistle, “sweee,” sometimes followed by a buzzing trill. Also gives harsh, rasping “grrrt” alarm notes and twittering phrases.
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