The Asian brown flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. The word Muscicapa comes from the Latin musca, a fly and capere, to catch. The specific dauurica refers to Dauria, an area of south-eastern Siberia named after a local nomadic tribe.
Region
East, South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from eastern Siberia, Mongolia, northeast China, Korea and Japan, and migrates to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, mainland Southeast Asia and parts of Indonesia for winter. It favors open woodlands, forest edges, secondary growth, parks and gardens. During migration and in winter it is common in lightly wooded areas, plantations and mangroves as well. Typically uses perches in mid-canopy or along clearings to launch brief sallies for insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, unobtrusive flycatcher that perches quietly and sallies out to snatch insects on the wing. The genus name Muscicapa derives from Latin for 'fly-catcher,' and the specific epithet dauurica references Dauria, a region of southeastern Siberia. It is a long-distance migrant, breeding in temperate East Asia and wintering across South and Southeast Asia.
Asian brown flycatcher near Coimbatore, India
Mai Po, Hong Kong
Temperament
quiet, alert and somewhat solitary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, defending small feeding territories during the breeding season. Nests in tree cavities or sheltered crevices, occasionally on building ledges; both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season it may join loose mixed flocks while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of high-pitched notes, often delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp ticks and a dry, thin 'tsip' given in flight or when alarmed.
Plumage
Plain brownish-grey above with whitish underparts and a faint grey-brown wash on the breast; smooth, unbarred wings and tail. Juveniles show pale mottling above. Overall neat, sleek feathering suited to rapid aerial sallies.
Diet
Primarily catches flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths and termites, taken by quick aerial sallies from a perch. It also gleans small invertebrates from foliage and branches when opportunities arise. Occasionally consumes small berries, especially in the non-breeding season when insect activity is lower.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, wooded gardens and plantations with scattered perches. Prefers open sightlines within the mid to lower canopy or along shaded trails and stream margins.
