The dusky-blue flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It has a wide range of presence across the African tropical rainforest. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found from the Upper Guinea forests of West Africa through the Congo Basin and into parts of western East Africa. It favors subtropical and tropical moist lowland evergreen forest, including secondary growth, swamp forest, and shaded plantations. Regular along forest edges, clearings, and riparian corridors where insect activity is high. Generally absent from open savanna and very dry habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often quiet and unobtrusive, the dusky-blue flycatcher is easily overlooked despite being fairly widespread in Africa’s wet forests. It hunts with short sallies from low to mid-level perches, snapping insects in mid-air. Pairs hold small territories and may join mixed-species flocks along shaded forest edges. Its muted slate-blue tones provide excellent camouflage in dim understory light.
Bradornis comitatus aximensis, Ghana
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs that defend small feeding territories. Joins mixed-species foraging flocks along edges and in the midstory. Builds a small cup nest placed on a forked branch or horizontal limb, typically a few meters above ground.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and short trills delivered intermittently from shaded perches. Calls include high, sibilant 'tsip' notes that can be hard to localize in dense foliage.
Plumage
Overall dusky slate-blue to blue-grey with slightly paler greyish underparts and a subtly paler throat. Feathers appear smooth and even-toned, giving a uniform look in low light. Minimal sexual dimorphism.
Diet
Primarily small flying insects such as flies, moths, beetles, and termites. Takes prey by aerial hawking from a perch and occasionally by gleaning from leaves and twigs. May hover briefly to pick insects off foliage. Opportunistic at insect swarms, especially after rains.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded understory and midstory of moist lowland forest, along streams, and at forest edges. Also uses secondary growth and shaded agroforestry like cocoa or coffee plantations.
