Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Monticola solitarius
Family: Chats, Old World Flycatchers, and Allies · Status: Rare migrant · Size: 21–23 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds across southern Europe, Northwest Africa, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and eastern Asia to Japan. Two subspecies reach Singapore: ssp. philippensis breeds in northeastern China, Korea, and Japan, wintering south through Southeast Asia; ssp. pandoo breeds across the Himalayas and southern China, also wintering south.
Male philippensis has blue upperparts, throat and upper breast and chestnut from lower breast to vent. Male pandoo lacks the chestnut and has entirely blue underparts instead. Only adult males are identifiable to subspecies, and are distinguished by the presence or absence of chestnut. In typical non-breeding plumage, both subspecies show faint black or white scales across underparts and back. Subadult males and females are duller overall, more brown and grey than blue, and have dense scales on throat and upper breast, transitioning into dense barring on belly to vent.
In Singapore, predominantly favours high-rise buildings and their surroundings. Also found in rocky coastal areas.
Typically forages by scanning from a low vantage point and dropping to the ground to take prey.