Ficedula erithacus
The Slaty-backed Flycatcher (Ficedula erithaca, though sometimes seen as F. erithacus), is a diminutive yet striking Old World flycatcher belonging to the family Muscicapidae. Measuring approximately 11-12.5 cm in length and weighing around 7-10 grams, this species is characterized by its distinctive deep slaty-blue to blackish upperparts and contrasting bright rufous-orange underparts. Males boast a more intensely colored plumage, with a vibrant orange throat and breast that fades to paler r...
Found primarily in submontane and montane broadleaf or mixed evergreen forests, often near streams or ravines, at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters for breeding and lower elevations during winter.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of small insects and their larvae, including flies, beetles, moths, and caterpillars, captured by sallying from perches or gleaning from foliage.
Slaty-backed Flycatchers are active, diurnal birds, typically observed singly or in pairs during the breeding season. They are primarily arboreal, flitting among the mid-canopy and understory vegetation. Foraging involves classic flycatcher 'sallying' - swift aerial pursuits of insects from a per...
The Slaty-backed Flycatcher is an intra-Asian migrant with a distinct breeding and wintering range. It breeds across the Himalayas, from Uttarakhand in northern India eastward through Nepal, Bhutan, and into northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh), as well as adjacent parts of southwestern China (...
Least Concern
- The Slaty-backed Flycatcher was once classified in the genus *Muscicapa* before being moved to *Ficedula* due to genetic and morphological similarities with other 'pied' flycatchers. - Despite its small size, it undertakes significant altitudinal migrations, moving from high mountain breeding g...