The white-browed jungle flycatcher, also known as the Luzon jungle-flycatcher and the Rusty-flanked jungle-flycatcher, is a species of bird in the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is endemic to Luzon island, in the Philippines. The natural habitat of the white-browed jungle flycatcher is tropical moist montane forests of the Cordillera Mountain Range and possibly Sierra Madre Mountains. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Northern Philippines (Luzon)
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist montane and mossy forests of northern and central Luzon, primarily in the Cordillera Central and possibly the Sierra Madre. It favors cool, shaded ravines, stream gullies, and dense understory with abundant moss and leaf litter. The species keeps close to the forest floor and lower understory, using low perches to sally for insects. It is highly forest-dependent and is rarely found in heavily disturbed habitats, though it may use lightly degraded montane forest edges.
Altitude Range
900–2300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Luzon jungle-flycatcher, this species is confined to highland forests of Luzon in the Philippines. It was formerly placed in the genus Rhinomyias but has been reclassified to Vauriella based on genetic studies. The bird is a shy understory insect-hunter and its presence indicates healthy, intact montane forest. Ongoing forest loss and degradation within its range pose the principal threat.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from low perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs in the breeding season. Nests are thought to be low, well hidden structures placed in banks or dense vegetation typical of jungle-flycatchers. Outside breeding, it remains unobtrusive and rarely joins mixed-species flocks, keeping to dense understory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, high, whistled notes delivered softly from concealed perches. Calls include sharp ticks and soft seep notes used during foraging and contact.
