Cyornis rubeculoides
The Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher (*Cyornis rubeculoides*) is a strikingly beautiful passerine bird, celebrated for its brilliant plumage. Males boast deep blue upperparts, a vivid azure-blue throat and breast contrasting with a blackish facial mask, and a clean white lower belly and vent. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm (5-5.5 inches) in length and weighing 10-18g, its distinctive field marks are the intense blue throat and overall vibrant blue coloration. Females are considerably duller, e...
Primarily found in dense evergreen and deciduous montane forests, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth, often near streams or damp areas. Occurs from foothills up to 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) during breeding, descending to lower elevations in winter.
Almost exclusively insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of small insects and their larvae, including beetles, ants, flies, moths, and caterpillars. Forages primarily by sallying and gleaning.
This diurnal species is active from dawn to dusk, often observed perching upright on exposed branches within the forest's understory or mid-story. It is an active insectivore, primarily employing a 'sally-glean' foraging technique, darting out from a perch to snatch flying insects (aerial hawking...
The Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher has a wide breeding distribution across the Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from the western Himalayas in Pakistan and northern India (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) through Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India (Sikkim, Arunacha...
Least Concern
- The male Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher is renowned for its strikingly vibrant azure-blue throat, a key identifier among its genus. - Despite their dazzling blue plumage, these flycatchers can be surprisingly elusive, often preferring the dense undergrowth and being heard more often than seen. -...