The little pied flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is native to the Himalayas and Southeast Asia.
Region
Himalayas and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Himalayan foothills through parts of northern and mainland Southeast Asia, extending into montane regions of the Malay Peninsula and nearby islands. It favors subtropical and tropical moist montane forests, forest edges, and mature secondary growth. Birds typically use the midstory, occasionally descending lower along streams and trails. It may descend to lower elevations outside the breeding season, especially in cooler months.
Altitude Range
800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny black-and-white flycatcher of montane forests, the little pied flycatcher is noted for its striking male plumage and much browner, subtler female. It often joins mixed-species flocks, flitting through the midstory and sallying out to catch insects. Its soft, high-pitched song can be easily overlooked amid the forest chorus.
Female from Sattal India
Temperament
active and somewhat shy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, becoming more tolerant in mixed-species foraging flocks. Nests are typically placed in natural tree cavities or small holes, lined with moss and fine fibers. Both parents participate in caring for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high-pitched whistles and short trills delivered from mid-canopy perches. Calls include sharp, high tseet notes used during foraging and contact.
Plumage
Male is sharply pied with glossy black upperparts contrasting with clean white underparts and bold white wing patches; tail shows white edges. Female is warm brown to gray-brown above with paler underparts and faint wing bars, lacking the stark contrast of the male.
Diet
Primarily hunts small flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. It uses perch-and-sally tactics, darting out to snatch prey in mid-air and returning to a low or midstory perch. It also glean-hawks, picking insects from leaves and twigs during brief hovers.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gaps, and semi-open midstory within moist montane forests. Frequently works shaded trails and streamside vegetation where insect activity is concentrated.
