The citrine canary-flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Stenostiridae. The term citrine refers to its yellowish colouration. It is found in Sulawesi and the Philippines. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Sulawesi and the southern Philippines
Typical Environment
This species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, favoring mossy broadleaf forest, forest edges, and clearings with scattered trees. It forages from the understory to mid-canopy, often along ridges and stream gullies. It is widespread on Sulawesi and occurs in highland areas of the southern Philippines. It can persist in lightly disturbed montane habitats so long as tree cover remains.
Altitude Range
800–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The citrine canary-flycatcher is a tiny, active insect-hunter whose bright yellow plumage inspired its name. It often joins mixed-species flocks in montane forests, darting out from perches to snatch insects mid-air. The species is typically unobtrusive but reveals itself with high, thin calls and constant tail-flicking.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, and frequently associates with mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are small cups placed on sheltered branches or forks, with both parents involved in care. Territorial during breeding but tolerant of nearby insectivores while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched seee and tsip notes, often in brief series. The song is a light, tinkling twitter delivered from a perch, interspersed with contact calls while foraging.
Plumage
Bright citrine-yellow underparts with olive-yellow upperparts; fine, neat plumage with a slightly crested crown. Wings and tail are duskier with subtle edging; throat often paler.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small flying insects such as dipterans and tiny moths, as well as beetles and small spiders. Typically hawks prey with short aerial sallies and also hover-gleans from leaves and twigs. Occasionally picks prey from bark or dead leaf clusters.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gaps, and along streams within montane forest. Uses the understory to mid-canopy, often following mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
