Ficedula platenae
The Palawan Flycatcher (Ficedula platenae) is a diminutive and attractive Old World flycatcher endemic to the Palawan archipelago of the Philippines. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length, males are striking with their dark slate-blue upperparts that contrast sharply with a pristine white belly. A distinctive blackish face is accented by prominent white lores and an incomplete white eye-ring, while a small, often concealed, white patch can be seen at the base of the primary flight feathe...
Found primarily in lowland dipterocarp and secondary forests, as well as forest edges, typically foraging in the understory and mid-story from sea level up to 800-1200 meters.
Feeds predominantly on small invertebrates, including various insects such as flies, beetles, caterpillars, and ants, captured through aerial sallies and gleaning from foliage.
Palawan Flycatchers are active during the day, generally observed singly or in pairs, though they may occasionally join mixed-species foraging flocks. Their primary foraging strategy involves sallying forth from a favored perch to snatch insects in mid-air, a classic flycatcher behavior. They als...
The Palawan Flycatcher is strictly endemic to the Palawan faunal region of the Philippines. Its distribution encompasses the main island of Palawan, along with several of its satellite islands, including Busuanga, Culion, Balabac, and Calauit. This species is resident year-round throughout its ra...
Vulnerable
- The Palawan Flycatcher is entirely endemic to the Palawan island group, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world. - Its specific epithet, 'platenae,' honors Carl Constantin Platen, a German naturalist and explorer who collected specimens in the Philippines. - Despite its striking male pluma...