The ashy flycatcher is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the drier areas of South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, where it inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, and savanna. It has a disputed generic placement, with different authorities variously putting it in Muscicapa, Fraseria, or other genera. Ashy flycatchers are mostly grey in colour, with pale grey or white underparts, and display no sexual dimorphism.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding the driest parts of southwestern Africa. It inhabits subtropical and tropical dry forest, moist lowland forest, riverine and gallery woodland, and wooded savannas. The species favors edges, clearings, and secondary growth, and will use well-treed parks and gardens. It is generally a low- to mid-canopy bird but also forages along forest margins and in understory gaps.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This unobtrusive forest flycatcher often flicks its tail and makes short sallies from shaded perches to catch insects. Its generic placement has been debated, and you may find it listed under Muscicapa in some references. It frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks in woodland and forest edges. Its soft, simple calls can make it easier to detect than to see in dense foliage.
Ashy flycatcher in South Africa
An ashy flycatcher feeding on larva at Mapungubwe National Park in Limpopo, South Africa.
![Miombo woodland in Malawi; ashy flycatchers are known to inhabit miombo, as well other forest types.[7]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Nyika_miombo.jpg/1280px-Nyika_miombo.jpg)
Miombo woodland in Malawi; ashy flycatchers are known to inhabit miombo, as well other forest types.[7]
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs holding small territories; pairs remain together during the breeding season. Nests are typically cup-shaped and placed on horizontal branches or forks, often well concealed. Outside of breeding, it commonly associates with mixed-species flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a simple series of soft, whistled phrases and short trills delivered from shaded perches. Calls include thin tseep notes and quiet chips that carry in forest understory.
