Large Blue Flycatcher

The Large Blue Flycatcher, Cyornis magnirostris, presents a striking example of sexual dimorphism, a common trait within its family, Muscicapidae. This medium-sized bird species boasts a vivid plumage that varies significantly between the sexes.

Identification Tips

Males of the species are adorned with a pale blue forehead and a deep blue cap, with jet black lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts. Their wings and tail feathers are dark blue with a purplish hint, and they feature a vibrant orange-rufous throat and chin that extends to the rear flanks and mid-belly. The lower underparts are whitish. Females, on the other hand, have grayish upperparts with a rufous-tinged rump, tail, and wing edges. Their facial features include pale buffish eyeing and lores, with dark brown cheeks and a pale rufous-tinged buff chin and throat. Juveniles resemble females but have darker brown plumage with rufescent spots and a deep buff throat and breast with dark bars and scaling.

Habitat

The Large Blue Flycatcher frequents the eastern Himalayas, from Nepal to Bangladesh, and winters in the northern Malay Peninsula.

Distribution

This species is endemic to North Eastern India and is more commonly observed in Northern Myanmar during the breeding season.

Behaviour

Foraging typically occurs in pairs, except during non-breeding seasons when individuals may hunt alone. They prefer low, shaded areas of the forest, adopting a sit-and-wait strategy for catching prey.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Large Blue Flycatcher consists of high-pitched, whistling sounds that are short and crisp, akin to a vocal tap.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is composed of small insects such as spiders, worms, and beetles, which are hunted in the understory of the forest.

Conservation Status

Despite being a rare sighting, the Large Blue Flycatcher is currently classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it faces threats that could lead to its vulnerability in the near future.