The furtive flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
Region
Northern Luzon, Philippines
Typical Environment
Occupies the understory of evergreen lowland and lower montane forests, favoring dense thickets, vine tangles, bamboo patches, and ravines. It occurs along shaded streams and at forest edges where canopy cover remains high. The species generally stays within a few meters of the ground and rarely ventures into open habitats. It can tolerate lightly disturbed secondary forest if a dense understory persists.
Altitude Range
100–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small, drab flycatcher lives low in the forest understory and is aptly named for its shy, inconspicuous behavior. It is easiest to detect by its thin, high-pitched call rather than by sight. The species is confined to Luzon and is sensitive to forest loss, though it persists in well-vegetated secondary growth and some protected areas. Observers often note brief, low sallies from shaded perches to snatch insects.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season and often joins mixed-species flocks outside it. Territorial calling from low perches is common in suitable habitat. Nests are likely small cup structures placed low in shrubs or vine tangles, with both adults feeding the chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of tseet or tsee notes, often delivered softly and intermittently from cover. Calls can be ventriloquial and are more reliable for detection than the brief song.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown to gray-brown above with paler, buffy underparts and a whitish throat; subtle wingbars may be present. Feathers are soft and not glossy, aiding camouflage in the shaded understory.
Diet
Primarily small insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars; it may also take small spiders. Foraging is a mix of sallying to catch flying prey and gleaning from leaves and twigs. It typically hunts close to the ground where light is low and cover is dense.
Preferred Environment
Feeds within dense understory, bamboo, and vine tangles in shaded forest and along streams or forest edges. Often uses low, concealed perches from which it makes short foraging flights.
