Cyornis umbratilis
The Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher (Cyornis umbratilis) is a subtly elegant passerine, measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length and weighing 13-16 grams, making it a medium-sized Old World flycatcher. Its plumage features olive-brown upperparts, a distinctive grey-brown head and nape, contrasting with a dull grey throat and breast. Rufous-brown flanks gradient into a clean white belly, often highlighted by a somewhat inconspicuous white eye-ring. This species lacks significant sexual dimorp...
This species primarily inhabits lowland and submontane evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, often favoring dense undergrowth and bamboo thickets. It is typically found at elevations below 1000 meters, though occasionally recorded up to 1500 meters.
Its diet consists almost entirely of small invertebrates, primarily insects such as beetles, ants, flies, moths, and caterpillars. These are procured through aerial sallying and gleaning from vegetation.
The Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher is a diurnal and often solitary bird, though pairs are observed during the breeding season. It employs a sit-and-wait foraging strategy, sallying from low to mid-level perches to snatch insects in flight, or gleaning prey from foliage and branches. During the br...
The Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher is a resident species distributed across the Sundaic region of Southeast Asia. Its primary range encompasses the Malay Peninsula, extending from southern Thailand through peninsular Malaysia, including Singapore. It is also widely present on the large islands of...
Least Concern
- The Grey-chested Jungle Flycatcher's scientific epithet, "umbratilis," translates to "of the shade" or "shadowy," perfectly describing its secretive, understory dwelling habits. - Despite belonging to the genus *Cyornis*, which is famously known for its striking blue flycatchers, *C. umbratilis...