The black-banded flycatcher, also known as the Timor flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. In the past the species was considered to be related to the Australasian robins but this was as the result of convergent evolution. It is endemic to Timor island. The black-banded flycatcher is small with a broad bill and distinctive plumage. The species has a white belly, lower rump and throat with a thin black band across the chest. The tail, neck and wings are black and the back, upper wing and shoulders rich chestnut. The plumage of the head is sexually dichromatic, with the head being black in the males and dark grey in the females. The eye and bill is black and the feet and legs are yellow. The calls consist of soft whistles, some of which sound similar to the Timor stubtail.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands (Timor)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable forest on Timor Island, including both primary and secondary evergreen and semi-evergreen woodlands. It favors edges, clearings, and riverine gallery forests where it has open sightlines for flycatching. Birds use the low to mid-story, but will occasionally drop to lower shrubs or sally into the subcanopy. It can persist in lightly degraded habitats and forest mosaics, though it is less common in heavily disturbed areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Timor flycatcher, this small passerine is confined to Timor Island and shows striking sexual dimorphism in the head coloration. It was once thought closely related to Australasian robins, but similarities are due to convergent evolution. It often forages by sallying from low to mid-canopy perches, snapping insects in quick, precise flights.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, defending small territories in suitable forest. Pairs likely form monogamous bonds during the breeding season, with both adults participating in rearing young. Nests are presumed to be small cups placed on horizontal branches or forks typical of many Ficedula flycatchers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and mellow phrases delivered from a shaded perch, often interspersed with brief pauses. Notes can be reminiscent of other Timor endemics, producing a delicate, slightly ventriloquial quality.
Plumage
Crisp white throat and belly with a thin black band across the chest; tail, neck, and wings are black, while the back, upper wing, and shoulders are rich chestnut. Males have a black head; females show a dark grey head with otherwise similar patterning. Plumage is smooth and neatly defined, giving a sharply contrasted, banded appearance.
Diet
Primarily hunts small flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and occasional caterpillars. It uses sit-and-wait tactics, scanning from a low or mid-story perch before launching short sallies to capture prey. It may also glean insects from foliage and branches when activity in the air is low.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, light gaps, and stream corridors where visibility and insect activity are high. Perches are typically in the lower to mid canopy with open lines of sight, often returning repeatedly to favored perches.
