The Sumba brown flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Indonesia.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to Sumba Island, where it occupies primary and secondary lowland and lower hill forests. It uses forest edges, gallery forests along streams, and partially wooded clearings with mature trees. The species tolerates some disturbance and may occur in mixed agroforest mosaics, provided there is adequate canopy cover. It generally forages from shaded perch sites within the understory to mid-canopy. Dense scrub and vine tangles near forest margins are also used for foraging and cover.
Altitude Range
0–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small flycatcher is confined to Sumba Island in Indonesia, where it keeps to shaded forest interiors and edges. It hawks insects from low to mid-canopy perches using quick sallies, often remaining quiet and unobtrusive. Ongoing habitat loss on Sumba is the main concern for the species. A subtle pale eye-ring and plain brown tones help separate it from brighter blue or rufous flycatchers of the region.
Temperament
quiet, unobtrusive and perch-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. It forages by watching from a low to mid-level perch and darting out to catch prey, returning to the same or nearby perch. Nests are presumed to be small cups placed on horizontal branches or forks, with both adults likely sharing care duties. Breeding activity is thought to coincide with periods of higher rainfall when insect prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and high-pitched, consisting of thin tseep notes and short, modest whistles. The song is unobtrusive and may be delivered from shaded perches, making detection by sound subtle.
