The mangrove blue flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is native to Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical mangrove forests. Clements splits the Kalao blue flycatcher, Cyornis kalaoensis into a distinct species. The IOC still lists it as a subspecies of the mangrove blue flycatcher.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found along coasts and estuaries of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and parts of the Philippines, chiefly where intact mangrove forests persist. It favors dense mangrove stands, including Rhizophora and Avicennia zones, as well as nipa palm thickets and adjacent coastal swamp forest. Birds keep to the shaded understory and mid-story, often near tidal creeks and back-mangrove edges. It will occasionally venture into brackish riparian scrub bordering mangroves when foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This flycatcher is tightly tied to coastal mangrove habitats and is often seen sallying out from low, shaded perches to catch insects. Some authorities have split island forms such as the Kalao blue flycatcher (Cyornis kalaoensis) from within its complex. Males are striking cobalt-blue above with warm rufous underparts, while females are browner and more subdued. Loss and degradation of mangroves can locally affect its numbers even though the species is not globally threatened.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs within well-defined territories in mangroves. Pairs maintain low, shaded foraging routes and may follow tidal cycles to access foraging spots. Nesting is in a small cup placed low in dense vegetation or roots, with breeding timing varying by locality.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of clear whistles and short trills, often delivered from concealed perches. Call notes include thin seep and tik elements used in contact and alarm.
