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.
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Migrant bar chart (see more bar charts):
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Dark-sided Flycatcher)
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.
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Dark-sided Flycatcher. Retrieved on April 26, 2025 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/dark-sided-flycatcher.