Asian Brown Flycatcher

The Asian brown flycatcher, Muscicapa dauurica, is a diminutive passerine belonging to the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. This species measures a modest 13 cm in length, inclusive of its characteristically cocked tail. It bears a resemblance in form to the larger spotted flycatcher, yet it is distinguished by a relatively longer tail. The bill of this bird is notably dark, large, and broad-based, suitable for its insectivorous diet.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species exhibit grey-brown upperparts, which tend to grey with age, and their underparts are whitish with flanks tinged in brown. Juveniles can be recognized by their scaly brown upperparts, head, and breast.

Habitat

The Asian brown flycatcher is commonly found in open woodlands and cultivated areas, where it can pursue its aerial prey.

Distribution

This bird breeds in Japan, eastern Siberia, and the Himalayas. It is a migratory species, spending its winters in the tropical climes of southern Asia, ranging from southern India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia.

Behaviour

The Asian brown flycatcher selects a tree cavity for nesting and lays a clutch of four eggs, which the female incubates. During courtship, the male serenades with a simple yet melodic song.

Song & Calls

The male's courtship song is noted for its simplicity and melody, a charming characteristic of this species.

Breeding

Nesting occurs in tree holes, where the female incubates a brood of four eggs.

Similar Species

While similar in shape to the spotted flycatcher, the Asian brown flycatcher is distinguished by its longer tail and smaller size.

Diet and Feeding

Insectivorous by nature, this bird adeptly catches flies, as its name suggests, using its sizable and dark bill.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Asian brown flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

Geographical variation

There is a debate regarding the subspecies classification within the Indian subcontinent and the Andaman Islands, with some experts suggesting the subspecies poonensis is paler and browner above, with a deeper bill and more mottled throat, breast, and flanks.

Vagrancy

This species is an extremely rare vagrant to Western Europe, with occasional records in Britain, Denmark, and Sweden.

Britain

In Britain, a first winter individual was observed at Flamborough Head, East Riding of Yorkshire on 3 October 2007, potentially marking the first accepted record of the species in the region.