The grey-headed canary-flycatcher, sometimes known as the grey-headed flycatcher, is a species of small flycatcher-like bird found in tropical Asia. It has a square crest, a grey hood and yellow underparts. They are found mainly in forested habitats where they often join other birds in mixed-species foraging flocks. Pairs are often seen as they forage for insects by making flycatcher-like sallies and calling aloud. Several subspecies are recognized within their wide distribution range. In the past the genus Culicicapa was considered to be an Old World flycatcher but studies have found them to belong to a new family designated as the Stenostiridae or fairy flycatchers that include the African genera Stenostira and Elminia.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka through the Himalayan foothills to southern China and Southeast Asia. It inhabits evergreen and moist deciduous forests, forest edges, ravines, bamboo, and well-wooded gardens. Birds forage from the understory to mid-canopy, favoring shaded, insect-rich microhabitats. In montane regions it may descend in winter, while many lowland populations are resident.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, active insect-hawker of Asian forests, the grey-headed canary-flycatcher sports a neat square crest, a slate-grey hood, and bright lemon-yellow underparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks and performs quick sallies to snatch small flying insects. Despite the name, it is not a true Old World flycatcher; genetic studies place it in the fairy-flycatcher family Stenostiridae. It shows local altitudinal movements in parts of its range.
Nominate subspecies from India
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick flycatching sallies
Social Behavior
Frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks and moves restlessly through foliage. Pairs maintain small breeding territories and build neat cup nests of moss and fibers in forks of branches or sheltered ledges. Both parents attend the nest and feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High, thin, and musical with sweet see-tee or tsi-tsi trills delivered in rapid sequences. Calls are sharp, sibilant chips used constantly while foraging.
