Flores Jungle Flycatcher

Eumyias oscillans

The Flores Jungle Flycatcher (Eumyias oscillans) is a captivating, medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 14-15 cm in length and weighing around 13-16 grams. Its plumage is subtly beautiful, featuring a dark blue-grey coloration across the head and upperparts, which lightens slightly on the throat and breast. A key field mark for identification is the striking contrast of its pure white lower belly and undertail coverts against the darker upperparts, complemented by a black bill and ...

Habitat

This flycatcher primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It is typically found within the understory and lower to mid-canopy strata, ranging from approximately 300m up to 1600m in elevation.

Diet

It is primarily insectivorous, consuming various small flying insects and other invertebrates. Foraging is conducted by making short sallies from perches or gleaning prey from foliage.

Behavior

The Flores Jungle Flycatcher is a diurnal species, generally observed singly or in pairs, and rarely integrates into mixed-species foraging flocks. Its foraging strategy involves perching quietly in the lower to mid-canopy, from where it performs short, agile sallies to snatch flying insects from...

Range

The Flores Jungle Flycatcher is strictly endemic to the island of Flores, which is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago in Indonesia. Its distribution spans across the island wherever suitable primary and secondary forest habitats persist, particularly in the central and western mountaino...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- The Flores Jungle Flycatcher is one of only two bird species endemic to the island of Flores, highlighting its unique evolutionary history. - Its scientific name, *oscillans*, translates to 'swinging' or 'waving,' possibly alluding to a subtle tail-wagging habit or its foraging movements. - Des...

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