The cinnamon-chested flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Buru, Seram, and Kai Besar.
Region
Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the islands of Buru, Seram, and Kai Besar, where it inhabits evergreen tropical forest from lowlands into foothills. It uses interior forest, edges, and older secondary growth, especially along shaded stream gullies and ridges. Birds typically forage in the understory to midstory, moving between perches under the canopy. It is generally absent from open agricultural areas but may visit forest fragments and well-vegetated gardens near forest.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An island endemic of Indonesia’s Maluku Islands, the cinnamon-chested flycatcher is named for its warm rufous breast. Like many Ficedula flycatchers, it hunts by sallying from shaded perches to snatch insects mid-air. It tolerates lightly disturbed and secondary forest, which helps it persist despite ongoing habitat change. Its soft, whistled song and striking cinnamon chest help with field identification.
Temperament
quiet, shy and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs; joins mixed-species flocks occasionally while foraging. During breeding, pairs defend small territories within suitable forest patches. The nest is a small cup placed in a fork or on a mossy ledge, built from plant fibers; both adults participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin, sweet whistles and short trills delivered from shaded perches. Calls include high, sharp chips used during foraging and contact.
Plumage
Upperparts are grey-brown to olive-brown with a clean, smooth texture; underparts show a rich cinnamon breast that grades to paler whitish belly. The throat can be slightly paler than the chest, and the flanks often have warm rufous tones. Wings are plain to subtly barred, without bold patches.
Diet
Primarily small flying insects such as flies, moths, and beetles, taken on the wing. It also gleans caterpillars and other arthropods from leaves and twigs. Spiders are occasionally taken, and very rarely small berries may be consumed.
Preferred Environment
Forages from low to mid-canopy perches inside closed forest, along trails, and near stream edges. Often selects shaded, sheltered perches to launch short aerial sallies and to glean foliage.
