The Crocker jungle flycatcher is a species of passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Borneo. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Borneo
Typical Environment
Occurs in the highlands of northern and central Borneo, especially the Crocker Range and other montane ridges in Sabah and Sarawak, with occurrences extending into Brunei and adjacent northern Kalimantan. It inhabits dense, moist montane evergreen and mossy forest, often along shaded gullies and near forest streams. The species favors the lower to mid-understory, perching quietly a few meters above the ground. It tolerates small forest gaps but is sensitive to extensive habitat disturbance. Presence is patchy, tracking intact montane forest blocks.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Crocker jungle flycatcher is a small, unobtrusive Old World flycatcher restricted to the montane forests of Borneo. It often forages low in the shaded understory, making short sallies from perches to snatch insects. The species was split from the Rufous-tailed Jungle Flycatcher complex following taxonomic revisions. Its name refers to the Crocker Range of Sabah, a core part of its range.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs in the breeding season, holding small territories within dense understory. The nest is usually placed low, in mossy banks, tree roots, or fern clumps, well concealed in shaded microhabitats. Outside the breeding period it may accompany mixed-species flocks but often remains inconspicuous. Courtship involves soft calls and short pursuit flights within dense cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of high-pitched whistles and sibilant notes delivered from a low perch. Calls include sharp tiks and soft tsip contact notes, often given sporadically and easily missed in background forest noise.
Plumage
Dull brown to olive-brown upperparts with a warmer rufous rump and tail; underparts pale buff to off-white with a light warm wash on the breast and flanks. Throat typically paler, sometimes whitish, with subtle diffuse streaking or shading. Fine pale eye-ring and slightly contrasting lores give a soft-faced look. Feathers appear soft and plain, emphasizing structure rather than bold pattern.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small insects and other arthropods such as beetles, flies, moths, and spiders. It employs perch-and-sally tactics, making short flights to snatch prey from the air or gleaning from leaves and twigs. Occasional hovering and ground pouncing occur in shaded gullies. It may take small berries opportunistically but remains predominantly insectivorous.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower understory of moist montane forest, especially along stream edges, ravines, and mossy thickets. Prefers shaded microhabitats with dense foliage and scattered low perches. Often remains within a few meters of the ground.
