The blue-fronted blue flycatcher, also known as the blue-fronted flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Indonesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane forests, especially mossy and mature evergreen forest. It uses interior forest, ridgelines, and edges, and occasionally adjacent secondary growth if canopy cover remains. Birds typically occupy midstory to lower canopy strata, using shaded perches for aerial sallies. It is patchily distributed along suitable mountain ranges where continuous forest remains.
Altitude Range
900–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy montane flycatcher is found only on Sulawesi, Indonesia, where males show a distinctive brighter blue forehead that gives the species its name. It often forages by making short sallies from shaded perches in the midstory and may join mixed-species flocks. Its preference for intact montane forest makes it sensitive to extensive habitat loss, though it currently persists across several mountain ranges.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick aerial sallies
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs within territories, especially during the breeding season. Nests are placed in cavities or protected crevices, lined with fine plant fibers and moss. Outside breeding, it may loosely accompany mixed-species flocks moving through the midstory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched whistles and brief trills delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp, soft tsip notes used during foraging and contact.
