The brown-breasted flycatcher or Layard's flycatcher is a small passerine bird in the flycatcher family Muscicapidae. The species breeds in north eastern India, central and Southern China and northern Burma and Thailand, and migrates to southern India and Sri Lanka. It forages for insects below the forest canopy, often close to the forest floor.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in northeastern India through northern Myanmar to central and southern China and northern Thailand, wintering in southern India and Sri Lanka. Favors mature evergreen and moist deciduous forest with dense understory, often near streams and shaded gullies. Usually forages below the canopy and close to the forest floor, including along forest edges and clearings. During winter it occupies similar low, shady habitats in the tropics and subtropics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Layard’s flycatcher, this small, shy forest bird keeps close to the understory and is easy to overlook. It breeds in Northeast India, southern China, northern Myanmar and Thailand, then migrates to southern India and Sri Lanka for winter. It often perches low and makes short sallies to snap up insects. A distinctive pale eye-ring and warm brown breast help separate it from other plain flycatchers.
Temperament
solitary and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, holding small territories. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species foraging flocks in the understory. Nests are small, cup-shaped structures placed on low branches, forks, or ledges, well camouflaged with moss and fibers. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A soft, thin series of high-pitched whistles and chips; calls include a sharp tsi or tzip given during foraging. Vocalizations are not loud and can be easily masked by other forest sounds.
