Ashy Flycatcher

The Ashy Flycatcher, known scientifically as Fraseria caerulescens, is a small, active bird of the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. Exhibiting no sexual dimorphism, both males and females are primarily grey, with paler underparts. This species is characterized by its small, thin, and pointed beak, perfectly adapted for an insectivorous diet.

Identification Tips

Adult Ashy Flycatchers measure between 13 to 15 cm in length. They possess bluish-grey crowns and upperparts, with very pale grey chins and throats, and white bellies. Their eye-rings are pale and well-defined, and they have black loral lines with white stripes above. The wings and tail are brownish-black, with the upperwing coverts displaying grey fringes. The bill is blackish with a pinkish-grey base, and the legs are dark grey or black.

Habitat

The Ashy Flycatcher is found in a variety of forested and woodland habitats. It prefers forest edges, secondary growth, riverine strips, and occasionally ventures into plantations. It is also known to inhabit open gallery forests, miombo woodland, dense woodland thickets, and open riverine woodland.

Distribution

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding only the driest regions. It is mainly resident, with some limited migration observed in the southern parts of its range.

Behaviour

Ashy Flycatchers are restless and constantly on the move, foraging alone, in pairs, or in groups. They may also join mixed-species flocks. They forage in the upper levels of the canopy, adeptly catching insects in flight or gleaning them from foliage and bark.

Song & Calls

The Ashy Flycatcher has a varied repertoire of vocalisations, with little geographical variation. Its dawn song is a series of high-pitched notes, while its day song consists of short staccato notes. Alarm calls are piercing hisses, and distress calls are shrill, high-pitched buzzes. Males may also snap their wings and bill as a warning.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in solitary pairs that are monogamous and territorial. Nests are sturdy cups made of plant material and spiderwebs, usually situated in tree crevices or cavities. Eggs are glossy whitish-buff with flecking, and both parents participate in feeding the young.

Similar Species

The Ashy Flycatcher can be confused with the Grey Tit-Flycatcher, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, and Dusky-blue Flycatcher. However, it can be distinguished by its active foraging behavior and specific plumage details.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is predominantly insects, including beetles, flies, grasshoppers, and moths, but also includes small fruit, berries, and occasionally geckos. Foraging is an active pursuit, with the bird making short flights or hovering to capture its prey.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Ashy Flycatcher as Least Concern, with a stable population and presence in numerous protected areas. Estimates suggest over 5,000 individuals in Mozambique alone.