The Buru jungle flycatcher, also known as the streak-breasted jungle-flycatcher or streaky-breasted jungle-flycatcher, is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the island of Buru in Indonesia where it originally inhabited tropical forests at elevations between 500 and 1,500 metres.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Buru, where it inhabits hill and lower montane evergreen forest with dense understory. It keeps close to shaded thickets, vine tangles, and gullies, often near streams and damp ravines. The species will use lightly disturbed or secondary growth adjacent to primary forest but is generally scarce in heavily logged areas. Activity is typically within the lower to mid-understory, from near ground level up to small saplings.
Altitude Range
500–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This shy understory flycatcher is confined to Buru Island in Indonesia and is most often detected by its soft, thin calls rather than by sight. It was formerly placed in the genus Rhinomyias but is now commonly treated under Cyornis following molecular studies. The species favors intact hill and montane forest and can be sensitive to heavy habitat disturbance. Its finely streaked breast and pale throat help separate it from other small brown flycatchers on the island.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between low perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs within dense understory, occasionally tagging along with mixed-species flocks. It perches quietly and makes short sallies to snatch prey before dropping back into cover. Nesting is presumed to be a low cup or platform hidden in vegetation or on banks, as in related jungle-flycatchers, but details remain poorly documented. Territorial defense is subtle, relying on soft calls and displacement rather than overt chases.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives soft, thin whistles and high-pitched tseep notes, often delivered from a shaded perch. The song is modest and easily overlooked amid forest background noise. Calls can include short, dry ticks when agitated.
