The verditer flycatcher is an Old World flycatcher It is found from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia to Sumatra. This species is named after its distinctive shade of copper-sulphate blue and has a dark patch between the eyes and above the bill base. The adult males are intense blue on all areas of the body, except for the black eye-patch and grey vent. Adult females and sub-adults are lighter blue.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Found from the Himalayan foothills through northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China and Indochina, reaching the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. Prefers open forests, forest edges, clearings, tea estates, and wooded gardens in hilly regions. Often near streams and along ridgelines where prominent perches are available. Breeds mainly in montane broadleaf forest and descends to lower elevations in the non-breeding season.
Altitude Range
200–2800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking flycatcher is named for its vivid verditer (copper-sulphate) blue plumage, with males showing the most intense coloration and a dark mask at the lores. It often perches conspicuously on exposed branches, wires, or treetops and sallies out to snatch insects mid-air. In many areas it is an altitudinal migrant, moving downslope in winter. It readily uses natural crevices or even man-made structures for nesting.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during breeding, becoming looser in small groups or joining mixed-species flocks outside the breeding season. The male often sings from a high exposed perch. Nests are placed in tree cavities, rock crevices, or building nooks lined with fine plant fibers. Both parents participate in feeding the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a soft, sweet series of high-pitched whistles and twitters delivered from prominent perches. Calls include thin tseet notes and rapid chipping during foraging or alarm.
