The Flores shortwing is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the island of Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands where it favours montane forest.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on the island of Flores, where it inhabits montane evergreen and mossy forests. It favors dense understory, shaded ravines, bamboo thickets, and forest edges near streams. The species typically keeps to the forest floor and lower shrub layer, using fallen logs, root tangles, and leaf litter for cover. It is most frequently encountered within protected or relatively intact upland forest tracts.
Altitude Range
900–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A secretive understory specialist, the Flores shortwing spends most of its time close to the ground in dense mossy thickets. Its clear, penetrating song often reveals its presence long before the bird is seen. Endemic to Flores, it is tied to cool, moist montane forests, making it sensitive to habitat degradation at higher elevations.
Temperament
shy and skulking, strongly territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, darting flights through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in territorial pairs, keeping close to the forest floor. Nests are typically placed low, in banks, root tangles, or dense shrubs, built as well-concealed cups. Courtship involves soft calls and song from hidden perches, with both sexes remaining close to cover.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, ringing series of thin whistles and sweet, musical phrases delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp ticks and soft seeps used for contact and alarm.
