The blue-breasted blue flycatcher, also known as the blue-breasted flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found only north and central parts of Luzon. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. The Rufous-breasted blue flycatcher was formerly considered to be a subspecies.
Region
Luzon, Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist lowland and foothill forests, favoring dense understory and forest edge near streams and gullies. It typically remains in shaded interior forest where it perches quietly and makes short sallies for insects. It also uses secondary growth and selectively logged forest where some canopy and understory structure remain. During the breeding season it is most often encountered in quieter portions of forest with thick shrub layers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small forest flycatcher is restricted to northern and central Luzon in the Philippines, where it keeps to shady understory perches. Males show a striking blue breast contrasting with a whitish belly, while females are more subdued brown with slight bluish tones on the tail. It was formerly lumped with the Rufous-breasted blue flycatcher, which is now treated as a separate species. Habitat loss from lowland forest clearance is the main concern for its long-term persistence.
Temperament
shy and retiring
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallying flights
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Builds a small cup nest low in vegetation or on a sheltered branch fork. Territorial calling and display by males increase at dawn when defending nesting areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of thin whistles and tinkling phrases delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp tsip or tzik contact notes, often given when disturbed. The song is modest in volume and can be easily overlooked in dense forest.
Plumage
Male with deep cobalt-blue head and upperparts, bright blue breast, and clean whitish throat and belly; female is warm brown above with pale buffy underparts and a faint bluish wash on tail and wings. Both sexes show neat, smooth plumage without heavy streaking.
Diet
Primarily hunts small insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars. Captures prey by sallying from low to mid-level perches and by gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasionally takes small arachnids and other arthropods.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the shaded understory and along forest edges, particularly near streams and clearings where insect activity is high. Often chooses low, horizontal perches with good visibility into surrounding foliage.
