The yellow-rumped flycatcher, also known as Korean flycatcher or tricolor flycatcher, is a species of flycatcher found in eastern Asia. A distinctive species with almost no look-alike other than the narcissus flycatcher. It breeds in eastern Asia including parts of Mongolia, Transbaikal, southern China, Korea and western Japan. They winter in parts of the Malay Peninsula and South Asia.
Region
East and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in eastern Asia, including parts of Mongolia, Transbaikal (southeastern Russia), northeast China, the Korean Peninsula, and western Japan. In the non-breeding season it occurs from southern China through the Malay Peninsula to parts of mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sundas. It favors deciduous and mixed forests, wooded river valleys, forest edges, and well-treed parks and gardens, especially during migration. Wintering birds use lowland forest, secondary growth, and scrubby edges, often near water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Other
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Korean or tricolor flycatcher, this striking species breeds in northeastern Asia and winters in Southeast Asia. Males are unmistakable with a bright yellow rump and bold black-and-white contrast, while females are much duller. It often uses natural cavities for nesting and readily appears in wooded parks during migration.
Temperament
alert and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile sallies
Social Behavior
Breeds in pairs and is territorial on the nesting grounds. Nests in natural tree cavities, crevices, or nest boxes, lining the nest with soft plant material. Outside the breeding season it may join loose mixed flocks or occur singly in suitable habitat during migration.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
Male delivers a clear, sweet series of whistled phrases, often from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp ticks and soft chups, especially when foraging or alarmed.
Plumage
Male shows glossy black upperparts with a bright yellow rump and underparts, bold white wing patch, and a white supercilium; tail is black with white bases. Female is brownish-olive above with pale buff wing bars, a yellowish rump, and dingy whitish to yellow-washed underparts. Both sexes have fine, sleek plumage suited to agile flycatching.
Diet
Primarily hunts flying and foliage-dwelling insects such as flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars. Uses sallying flights from exposed perches and also gleans from leaves and branches. Occasionally takes small berries, especially during migration when insect availability fluctuates.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy along forest edges, clearings, and riparian woodland. In winter it frequents secondary growth, wooded parks, and scrub with scattered trees, often near water and along trails.
