Mangrove Blue Flycatcher

Cyornis rufigastra

Family: Chats, Old World Flycatchers, and Allies · Status: Very rare resident · Size: 14.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Resident across the Thai-Malay Peninsula to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Identification

Male has all blue upperparts, deep orange-rufous throat to belly, with whitish vent. Female resembles male but has white lores, subocular patch, and chin. Differs from Chinese Blue Flycatcher in deeper orange-rufous extending to the belly, not stopping at the upper breast.

Habitat

Coastal mangroves and neighbouring forest, with preference for nipah palm thickets.

Behaviour

Usually solitary or in pairs; shy and unobtrusive. Sallies for flying insects from perches low near the ground. Nests in the hollow top of a nipah palm frond-base.