Dark-sided Flycatcher

Dark-sided Flycatcher

Scientific Name: Muscicapa sibirica

Malay Name: Sambar-Kusam Paruh Kecil

Chinese Name: 乌鹟

Range: Found from northern Indian subcontinent, Siberia, western and north-eastern China, Korea to Japan with northern population wintering in southern China and Southeast Asia

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: sibirica, gulmergi, cacabata, rothschildi.

Local Subspecies: sibirica, rothschildi

Size: 11.5-13 cm

Identification: Resembles Asian-brown Flycatcher but has darker upperparts, longer wings (tips reaching two thirds of the way down the tail), shorter and all black bill, smudgy greyish-brown breast/flanks and dark undertail-coverts centres. Juvenile has darker upperparts with distinct pale buff spots/streaks and scaled/blackish streaks on breast and flanks.

Similar looking species: Grey-streaked Flycatcher, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Brown-streaked Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher, Brown-breasted Flycatcher

Habitat: Forest, parks, gardens, wooded areas and mangroves.

Behaviour/Ecology: Usually solitary, frequenting the canopy and middle storey. Typically sits upright on exposed perch, sallying after flying insects.

Local Status: Uncommon migrant

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2019)

Location: Central Catchment Forest, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Bidadari, Singapore Botanic Gardens and other suitable habitats.

Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):

Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica
Estimated average number of individuals by week based on eBird data, Jul 2014 to Jun 2024
Peak week Nov 12-Nov 18
Early date 03 Sep 2022
Late date 19 May 2021
A generally uncommon Muscicapa with several sightings from Sep to Apr every year.

References:

BirdLife International. (2019). Muscicapa sibirica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T22709204A155604903.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Jeyarajasingam, A., & Pearson, A. (2012). A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Oxford University Press.

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

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