Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Eumyias thalassinus
Family: Chats, Old World Flycatchers, and Allies · Status: Very rare visitor · Size: 15–17 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Breeds from the Himalayas east through southern China, Myanmar, and Indochina; northern populations migrate south to winter in India, Bangladesh, and Indochina. A resident population occurs in the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.
Verditer-blue plumage makes this a rather distinctive flycatcher unlikely to be confused with other species. Whitish tips to undertail-covert feathers separate it from the Pale Blue Flycatcher (locally unrecorded). Males have dark lores; females and subadult birds have pale greyish lores and finely barred chin. Juvenile has dull turquoise upperparts heavily spotted with pale buff, and buff-spotted underparts.
Forest edges, clearings, parks, and gardens; also mangroves during non-breeding season.
Like a typical flycatcher, feeds in mid- to upper-canopy, occasionally descending lower or even to the ground. Sometimes perches on telephone lines, or other man-made structures while hawking for insects.