The dark-sided flycatcher is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Muscicapa in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It has a wide breeding distribution in the East Palearctic with northern birds migrating south for the winter. It is also known as the Siberian flycatcher or sooty flycatcher, the latter name is also used for the sooty flycatcher of Africa.
Region
East Palearctic and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds from Siberia and the Russian Far East through northeastern China, Korea, and parts of northern Japan, favoring coniferous and mixed forests. In the non-breeding season it moves to Southeast Asia, including the Himalayas’ foothills, southern China, Indochina, and the Greater Sunda Islands. It uses forest interiors, edges, clearings, and riparian corridors, often perching in the mid to upper canopy. During winter it readily occupies secondary growth and lightly disturbed woodland.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The dark-sided flycatcher is a small Old World flycatcher that breeds across the East Palearctic and winters in Southeast Asia. It often hunts from a shaded perch, making short sallies to catch insects in mid-air. Also known as the Siberian flycatcher, it shows subtly dusky flanks that give the species its English name. It can be easily overlooked due to its quiet demeanor and soft, high-pitched calls.
Temperament
quiet, watchful, and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from a perch; agile with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Builds a small cup nest on a branch, stump, or ledge, often well concealed. Clutches are small, and both parents may participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is thin and high-pitched, a series of soft whistles and short phrases delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include a faint 'tsee' or 'tsip', easily missed in background forest noise.
Plumage
Smoky brownish-grey upperparts with pale underparts and distinctly dusky flanks; fine streaking may show on the breast sides. Two narrow pale wingbars are formed by the tips of the wing coverts. The throat is paler to whitish with a subtle, narrow eye-ring.
Diet
Primarily captures flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and other small arthropods. It hawks prey on the wing from a favored perch and occasionally gleans insects from foliage. Berries may be taken opportunistically outside the breeding season.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, canopy gaps, and riparian corridors where flying insects are abundant. Often hunts from mid-canopy perches with good sight lines into open spaces.
