The grey-streaked flycatcher or grey-spotted flycatcher is a small passerine bird breeding in the eastern Palearctic belonging to the genus Muscicapa in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1861.
Region
East Asia to Southeast Asia and Wallacea
Typical Environment
Breeds in northeastern Asia, including the Russian Far East, northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. Migrates south through eastern China, Taiwan, and coastal areas of Southeast Asia. Winters widely in the Philippines, Borneo, Sulawesi, the Moluccas, and New Guinea, with occasional records to northern Australia. Uses forest edges, open woodland, plantations, parks, and coastal groves during passage and on the wintering grounds. Often favors perches in mid to upper canopy near clearings or along forest margins.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A slender, long-distance migrant of the Old World flycatcher family, it breeds in northeastern Asia and winters deep into Southeast Asia and Wallacea. It hunts by sallying from exposed perches, snapping up flying insects before returning to the same or nearby perch. The bold grey streaking on the breast helps separate it from the plainer Asian brown flycatcher. It is a regular passage migrant along East Asian coasts and occasionally reaches Alaska as a vagrant.
Muscicapa griseisticta - MHNT
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallying flights
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in loose, scattered groups outside the breeding season. Territorial pairs on the breeding grounds nest in trees, often choosing concealed sites on branches or in natural cavities. Both sexes participate in nesting activities and defend the immediate area around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Song is a thin, high-pitched series of short notes and trills delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp, dry ticks and a soft, high 'tsee' given in flight or while foraging.
