Cyornis kalaoensis
The Kalao Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis kalaoensis) is a striking member of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), endemic to the small island of Kalao in Indonesia. Males are particularly resplendent, boasting a vibrant, iridescent cobalt blue plumage across their upperparts, crown, and throat, sharply contrasting with a distinct black lores and a bright white belly. They measure approximately 14-15 cm in length, with a slender build and a relatively short tail. Females, in typical Cyorn...
This species primarily inhabits the understory and mid-story of primary and secondary tropical moist lowland forests, extending into forest edge habitats and dense coastal scrub, typically found from sea level up to 500 meters elevation.
The diet consists predominantly of small to medium-sized insects, including flies, beetles, ants, and caterpillars, which are primarily caught in flight or gleaned from foliage.
The Kalao Blue Flycatcher is a highly active and diurnal insectivore, often observed perching quietly before darting out to catch prey. Its foraging strategy primarily involves 'sallying,' where it makes short, agile flights from a semi-exposed perch to snatch insects from the air or off foliage,...
The Kalao Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis kalaoensis) is a non-migratory species with an extremely restricted geographic distribution, being endemic solely to Kalao Island (also known as Kalatoa) in Indonesia. This small island is situated within the Flores Sea, south of Sulawesi, and forms part of the ...
Vulnerable
- The Kalao Blue Flycatcher was only formally described in 1999, making it a relatively recent discovery for ornithology. - Its dazzling cobalt blue plumage is one of the most brilliant among all Cyornis flycatchers, contrasting sharply with its dark facial mask and white belly. - Despite its sma...