Ficedula elisae
The Green-backed Flycatcher, Ficedula elisae, is a vibrant and agile passerine belonging to the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae). Measuring approximately 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches) in length and weighing around 7-10 grams (0.25-0.35 oz), this small bird captivates with its striking plumage. Males are distinguished by their bright olive-green upperparts, contrasting with a vivid yellow throat and underparts, black lores, and a distinctive black tail marked with white patches at the ba...
Breeds in temperate broadleaf and mixed deciduous forests, often in mountainous areas at 500-1500m elevation. Winters in tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, secondary growth, and plantations, typically below 1000m.
Primarily consumes insects and other small invertebrates, caught through sallying flights from perches or gleaning from vegetation.
Green-backed Flycatchers are diurnal and primarily insectivorous, employing a classic 'sally-and-snap' foraging technique, darting from a prominent perch to catch insects in mid-air, or gleaning prey from foliage. During the breeding season, males establish and vocally defend territories with the...
The Green-backed Flycatcher has a distinct migratory range across East and Southeast Asia. Its breeding grounds are concentrated in central and eastern China, specifically in mountainous regions of provinces such as Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, and Guizhou, typically at elevations betwe...
Least Concern
- The Green-backed Flycatcher was only recognized as a distinct species in 2009, having previously been considered a subspecies of the Narcissus Flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina). - Its species split was largely due to significant differences in its genetic makeup and, notably, its unique song str...