Humblot's flycatcher or the Grand Comore flycatcher, is a small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is the only member of its genus. Humblot's flycatcher is endemic to the island of Grand Comoro in the Comoros where it inhabits forest on the slopes of Mount Karthala. The scientific name commemorates the French naturalist Léon Humblot.
Region
Western Indian Ocean (Grand Comore, Comoros)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Grand Comore, primarily in humid evergreen and montane forest on the slopes of Mount Karthala. It uses primary forest, forest edges, ravines, and sometimes secondary growth where canopy cover remains. The species is most often found in the understory to mid-story, gleaning along shaded trunks and branches. It may venture into agroforestry mosaics near intact forest but persists best where continuous native cover remains.
Altitude Range
300–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Humblot's flycatcher is the sole member of the genus Humblotia and is confined to Grand Comore in the Comoros. It favors forested slopes of the active volcano Mount Karthala. The species is sensitive to habitat loss and degradation. Its scientific name commemorates the French naturalist Léon Humblot.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive, somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief sallies from low to mid-level perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small family groups after breeding. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed in dense vegetation or branch forks, with both parents attending young. Breeding is thought to align with wetter periods when insect prey peaks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, thin series of high-pitched whistles and short trills, delivered from shaded perches. Calls include faint ‘tsip’ notes and quiet ticking used during foraging and pair contact.
Plumage
Plain olive-brown to brownish-olive upperparts with paler, grayish-buff underparts and a whitish throat. Feathers are smooth with minimal patterning; subtle streaking may appear on the breast in some individuals.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars. It captures prey by short sallies from perches and by gleaning from bark, leaves, and twigs. Occasional small spiders and other arthropods are also taken. Foraging is deliberate but continuous, with frequent perch changes.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shaded understory and mid-story of humid forest, along forest edges, and in ravines. Will also use semi-natural plantations adjacent to native forest where structural complexity persists.
