Blue-and-white Flycatcher

The blue-and-white flycatcher, scientifically known as Cyanoptila cyanomelana, is a captivating migratory songbird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species is sometimes referred to as the Japanese flycatcher due to its breeding grounds.

Identification Tips

Adult males of this species boast a striking contrast of deep azure blue on the upper parts and clean white underparts. The females, however, are more subdued in coloration, with a mixture of grey and dull blue hues.

Habitat

The blue-and-white flycatcher favors forested environments, where it can be found flitting among the trees in search of insects.

Distribution

During the breeding season, these birds can be found across Japan, Korea, parts of northeastern China, and the Russian Far East. As the cold sets in, they migrate to warmer climes, spending the winter months in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Behaviour

This species is known for its migratory nature, undertaking long journeys between its breeding and wintering grounds. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in the Sinharaja Rainforest of Sri Lanka in 2014.

Song & Calls

As a member of the flycatcher family, the blue-and-white flycatcher has a repertoire of melodious calls, which it uses to communicate with others of its kind during the breeding season.

Breeding

The breeding range of the blue-and-white flycatcher includes Japan, Korea, northeastern China, and the Russian Far East, where they engage in their annual reproductive activities.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the blue-and-white flycatcher as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any imminent threats to its survival.