The Palawan blue flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found only on Palawan and its surrounding islands.
Region
Philippines (Palawan Archipelago)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and well-structured secondary lowland forests, especially in dense understory and along shaded streams. It frequents forest edges, vine tangles, and thickets where it can sally for flying insects or glean from foliage. It may use lightly logged areas if sufficient understory cover remains. Proximity to riparian corridors and gullies is typical, offering cool, humid microhabitats.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Palawan blue flycatcher is a small, understory insect-eater confined to the Palawan archipelago of the Philippines. It keeps to shaded interior forest and streamside thickets, often perching quietly before darting out to snatch prey. Males show richer blue tones, while females are duller and more cryptic. It is considered sensitive to habitat disturbance, so intact lowland forest is important for its persistence.
A male
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs in the breeding season, holding small territories in dense understory. Nests are likely cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or saplings near shaded ravines or stream banks. Outside breeding, it may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks moving through the understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, sweet series of clear whistles delivered from shaded perches, often interspersed with brief pauses. Calls include thin, high tseet notes and soft chips used during foraging and contact.
