The Moluccan flycatcher or dark-grey flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs on several islands of the central and southern Moluccas, inhabiting lowland and hill tropical moist forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It prefers midstory to subcanopy strata where it can watch for passing insects. The species is occasionally found in wooded gardens and plantations near forest. Riparian corridors and clearings with scattered trees are also used for foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the dark-grey flycatcher, this monarch flycatcher is confined to Indonesia’s Maluku (Moluccan) Islands. It hunts by sallying from shaded perches to snatch flying insects, often returning to the same lookout. It tolerates lightly disturbed forest and edges, which helps it persist outside intact primary forest. Its broad, flattened bill with rictal bristles is a hallmark of aerial insect hunters.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from perches
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs, defending small territories during the breeding season. Pairs build a small cup nest on a horizontal branch or fork, often well camouflaged with moss or lichens. Both sexes likely share incubation and chick-rearing duties. It may join mixed-species flocks outside the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a thin, sweet series of high whistles delivered from a midstory perch. Calls include sharp tseet notes and soft chipping used during foraging and pair contact.
