The Hainan blue flycatcher is a bird in the family Muscicapidae. The species was first described by William Robert Ogilvie-Grant in 1900. It is native to southern China, Hainan and Indochina. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in southern China (including Hainan) and across Indochina in lowland and foothill evergreen forests. It favors moist, shaded habitats such as riverine forest, bamboo thickets, secondary growth, and mature forest edges. Birds typically keep to the understory and lower midstory, especially along trails and streams. It tolerates some habitat disturbance if cover remains but is most common in intact forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Males are striking cobalt-blue above with a contrasting white belly, while females are plain brown, making the species notably sexually dimorphic. It forages by sallying from low, shaded perches in the forest understory, often revealing its presence by a sweet, whistled song. It can be confused with similar blue flycatchers; voice, location, and subtle plumage details help with identification.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, becoming more territorial in the breeding season. Nests are placed low in cavities, banks, or among roots and dense vegetation; clutch typically consists of several speckled eggs. Both parents participate in feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A sweet, clear series of whistled notes and brief trills delivered from shaded perches. Calls include thin, high ‘tsee’ notes and soft scolding ticks when alarmed.
