The Timor blue flycatcher is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found on Timor island. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands (Timor)
Typical Environment
Occurs across suitable habitats on Timor Island, in both East (Timor-Leste) and West Timor (Indonesia). It inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, gallery forests along streams, and extends into moist montane forests. The species tolerates lightly disturbed forest, edges, and secondary growth, especially where understory cover is good. It uses shaded perches in the lower to mid-canopy and forages along forest trails and riparian corridors. Dense thickets, bamboo patches, and mixed agroforestry near forest edges may also be used.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Timor blue flycatcher is an island endemic of Timor, where it occupies both lowland and montane moist forests. Males show striking blue plumage while females are more subdued brownish, aiding camouflage near the nest. It was historically treated as part of the Hill Blue Flycatcher complex but is now recognized as a distinct species. It forages by sallying from shaded perches to catch insects in mid-air or gleaning from foliage.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from a perch
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs within well-defined territories. Pairs maintain contact calls while foraging and nest in cavities or sheltered nooks, lining the nest with fine fibers and moss. Breeding likely coincides with the local rainy season, with both parents involved in feeding nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet whistles and thin, fluty phrases delivered from a shaded perch. Calls include soft ticks and high, thin seee notes, often given during foraging or territorial encounters.
