Cyornis whitei
The resplendent Hill Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis whitei) is a vibrant jewel of Asian montane and evergreen forests, known for its striking plumage and melodious calls. Males boast brilliant ultramarine blue upperparts, contrasting sharply with a pure white lower breast and belly, and rich rufous-orange flanks and chest. Measuring about 14-15 cm in length and weighing 10-15 grams, its distinctive white vent and bright blue coloration are key identification marks. Females, though duller, still car...
Found primarily in evergreen, broadleaf, and montane forests, often near streams or ravines. Occupies a wide elevational range from foothills to mid-montane zones, typically between 300 and 2,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small to medium-sized insects including flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars. Forages by sallying from perches to catch prey in flight or gleaning from foliage.
Hill Blue Flycatchers are typically diurnal, active from dawn until dusk, often seen perching upright on exposed branches within the forest understory or mid-canopy. They are classic 'sally-and-return' foragers, launching quick, agile flights from a perch to snatch flying insects in mid-air befor...
The Hill Blue Flycatcher has a widespread distribution across mainland Southeast Asia and parts of the Eastern Himalayas. Its breeding range extends from eastern Nepal through Northeast India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and into Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, with isola...
Least Concern
- The dazzling blue of the male Hill Blue Flycatcher is not due to pigment, but to the structural properties of its feathers, which reflect specific wavelengths of light. - Despite its name, some populations of this species are found at relatively low elevations in tropical forests, not exclusive...