Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher

Cyornis nicobaricus

The Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher, Cyornis nicobaricus, is a captivating passerine endemic to the remote Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Males are resplendent with deep, iridescent blue upperparts, a contrasting black mask extending to the lores, and a vibrant rufous-orange breast and flanks that fade to a pure white belly. Females, while more subdued, present a graceful olive-brown dorsum, a rufous tail, and a paler rufous throat and breast, also transitioning to a white belly. Measuring a...

Habitat

This species exclusively inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, preferring dense undergrowth and the shaded interiors of primary and secondary growth. It is typically found at lower elevations within these island ecosystems.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, the Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher feeds on a variety of small flying and crawling invertebrates. It captures prey through aerial sallying and gleaning from vegetation.

Behavior

The Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher is a diurnal and rather secretive bird, often observed alone or in pairs foraging within the dense understory. It employs classic flycatcher tactics, sallying out from a concealed perch to snatch flying insects in mid-air or gleaning small invertebrates from foliage ...

Range

The Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher is strictly endemic to the Nicobar Islands archipelago, an Indian territory situated in the southeastern Bay of Bengal. Its distribution spans across both the northern and southern groups of islands, including larger islands like Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Katcha...

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Fun Facts

- This stunning bird is found exclusively in the remote Nicobar Islands, making it a true island endemic, a jewel of the Indian Ocean's biodiversity. - It was only recognized as a full species in 2005, having previously been considered a subspecies of the widespread Fulvous-chested Jungle Flycatc...

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