Little slaty flycatcher

The little slaty flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found on the islands of Mindanao, Leyte and Samar in the Philippines.

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Distribution

Region

Philippine Archipelago (eastern Visayas and Mindanao)

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen forests on Mindanao, Leyte, and Samar, favoring dense understory and shaded ravines. It uses primary forest and well-structured secondary growth but avoids heavily degraded or open areas. Birds are often found near streams, vine tangles, and thickets where they can sally for insects from low perches. Territories are typically small and centered on dense cover.

Altitude Range

0–1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size12–13 cm

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.011 kg

Female Weight0.01 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A shy understory insect-hunter, the little slaty flycatcher is endemic to the Philippines and belongs to the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. Males are slate-gray while females are brownish, making the pair easy to tell apart. It is highly sensitive to forest loss and degradation, favoring intact or lightly disturbed lowland forest. Its quiet calls and secretive habits often make it difficult to detect.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches

Social Behavior

Usually encountered singly or in pairs within dense understory. During breeding it defends small territories and builds a small cup nest of moss and fibers placed low in vegetation. It may occasionally join mixed-species flocks but remains close to cover.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a soft series of thin, high-pitched whistles with short trills, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls include quiet tseet notes that are easily overlooked in forest ambient noise.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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