The Tanimbar flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found on the Tanimbar Islands. Its habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Tanimbar group, it inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland forests, forest edges, and wooded gullies. It forages within the understory and lower canopy, often along trails, stream margins, and light gaps. It can persist in selectively logged forest where understory structure remains. Dense thickets and mixed woodland mosaics are also used, especially where insect prey is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Tanimbar flycatcher is a small Old World flycatcher restricted to Indonesia’s Tanimbar Islands. It keeps to shaded understory and mid-story perches, making short sallies to snatch insects. Although tolerant of some secondary growth, ongoing forest loss on the islands poses risks. Its subtle plumage makes vocalizations and behavior especially helpful for detection.
Temperament
shy and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories within suitable forest. During breeding, pairs build a small cup nest placed in forks or sheltered ledges in the understory. Outside the breeding season it may loosely associate with mixed-species flocks in the lower canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched series of thin whistles and short phrases delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include sharp ticks and tseet notes used during foraging and territory defense.
Plumage
Plain to slightly warm-brown upperparts with paler, buffy underparts and a whitish throat; subtle streaking may be present on the breast. Wings are darker with faint pale edging, and the tail is brown. Overall appearance is modest and unpatterned compared to many congeners.
Diet
Primarily small insects and other arthropods, taken by flycatching from low to mid-level perches. It sallies to capture flying prey and also gleans from leaves and twigs. Occasional small spiders and larvae are included when abundant. Foraging is deliberate, with frequent perch changes within a defined area.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, gaps, and understory clearings where light increases insect activity. Stream margins and lightly disturbed secondary growth are commonly used, as are shaded trails within primary forest.
