Chapin's flycatcher is a bird species in the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests. The Itombwe flycatcher was formerly considered conspecific.
Region
Albertine Rift (Central Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane evergreen and secondary forests, forest edges, and clearings within the Albertine Rift. It favors mid-elevation to upper montane zones with a dense midstory and scattered canopy gaps. The species often uses edges along streams, forest tracks, and natural light gaps to sally for flying insects. It may overlap with mixed-species flocks but typically forages quietly and unobtrusively. Habitat fragmentation limits its occurrence to remaining blocks of intact forest.
Altitude Range
1200–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Chapin's flycatcher is a little-known Old World flycatcher restricted to the Albertine Rift montane forests of Central Africa. It was once lumped with the Itombwe flycatcher, which is now treated as a separate species. The bird is elusive and often detected by its thin, high-pitched calls rather than by sight. Ongoing forest loss within its narrow range is the primary threat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within suitable forest patches. Pairs likely form monogamous bonds during the breeding season. The nest is presumed to be a small cup placed on a branch or fork, with both parents contributing to care of the young. Occasionally joins mixed-species foraging flocks but remains inconspicuous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseep notes and soft whistles, often delivered from a shaded midstory perch. The song is simple, brief, and easily overlooked amid forest background noise. Alarm calls are sharper, with rapid, clipped notes.
Plumage
Plain brown-olive upperparts with a slightly warmer rump; underparts pale grayish-buff with a whitish throat and faint mottling. Subtle pale wingbars may be present, with darker flight feathers and tail. Feathers are soft and sleek, giving a smooth, matte appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying and leaf-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars; also takes spiders. It hawks prey with short sallies from exposed perches and occasionally gleans from foliage. Foraging is typically deliberate and low-energy, with frequent perch changes within a small area. Seasonal shifts in prey availability may influence microhabitat choice.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the midstory and lower canopy near forest edges, along streams, and in natural light gaps. Also uses secondary growth and selectively logged areas if sufficient cover remains. Prefers shaded perches with clear lines of sight for aerial sallies.
