Tickell's Blue Flycatcher

Tickell's blue flycatcher, Cyornis tickelliae, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the flycatcher family. This avian jewel measures approximately 11–12 cm in length. The male is adorned with bright blue upperparts and a striking rufous throat and breast, while the remainder of the underparts are pristine white. The female, though less vivid, boasts a brighter blue brow, shoulder, rump, and tail. Juveniles display a mottled appearance with streaks and spots, and only their wings and tail bear the signature blue.

Identification Tips

To identify Tickell's blue flycatcher, look for the male's bright blue upperparts contrasted with a red throat and breast. Females are a duller blue with brighter highlights. Juveniles can be recognized by their streaked brown upperparts and head, with blue wings and tail. This species can be distinguished from the similar blue-throated blue flycatcher by the absence of blue on the throat.

Habitat

Tickell's blue flycatcher is a bird of the forest, favoring dense scrub, bamboo thickets, and the verdant environs of gardens. It thrives in the dappled light and shadow of woodland areas, often found near the banks of streams ensconced in foliage.

Distribution

The species is native to tropical Asia, with its range extending from the Indian Subcontinent eastwards to Bangladesh and western Myanmar. The Sri Lankan population is recognized as a distinct subspecies.

Behaviour

Tickell's blue flycatcher is a forest dweller that exhibits a preference for thick cover. It is a vigilant species, adept at foraging in the undergrowth and occasionally venturing into small gardens. The bird is known to feed even after dusk, capturing flying insects and occasionally gleaning crawling insects from the ground. It has been observed in areas with human refuse, adapting to altered environments.

Song & Calls

The bird's metallic song is a distinctive series of clicks followed by a melodious sequence of five or six notes that terminate abruptly. Alarm calls include a 'churr' and additional clicking notes, alerting others to potential threats.

Breeding

Breeding season for Tickell's blue flycatcher spans from April to August, with the nest typically situated in a tree hollow or among rocks. The nest is lined with fine grass and fibers, and the female lays a clutch of 3–5 eggs.

Similar Species

Tickell's blue flycatcher may be confused with the blue-throated blue flycatcher, but the latter has a blue throat. Hybrids with the pale-chinned blue flycatcher have been noted in the Eastern Ghats of India.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists primarily of insects caught in flight, with termites and earwigs also forming part of their diet. During the breeding season, they may consume larger prey, including small vertebrates such as bush frogs.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies Tickell's blue flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction in the wild.